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Spanish Lake, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Spanish Lake, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Spanish Lake, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and distressing ordeal. Luckily, a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the damage is extensive. Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Spanish Lake, MO residents young and old get the quality dental services they need, with a team that is always amiable and professional. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Spanish Lake, MO, call Plaza at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should see a dentist in Spanish Lake, MO as soon as you can. If you have a chipped tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not have any symptoms at first. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Yet, because of decay or enough force, it can still be splintered. When that happens, the inner pulp can be uncovered, leading to pain and, if untreated, infection.

There are some at-home steps you can take to help manage any pain and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

  • Gather any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
  • Rinse your mouth out with warm water
  • Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re experiencing pain (NOT a topical oral pain cream)
  • If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can protect it with a piece of sugarless gum
  • Eat soft foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you notice any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental care in Spanish Lake, MO.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the fracture and what part of the tooth it’s on. In general, broken teeth are broken down into five types:

  1. Craze lines are small cracks that only affect the outer enamel. These are pretty common, and they can be hard to discover. They often don’t require treatment except for if the cracks are on the front teeth.
  2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface detaches. These happen more easily to teeth with large fillings. These usually don’t harm the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t result in a whole lot of pain, however you may experience some tooth sensitivity.
  3. A cracked tooth means the break goes from the top of the tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will likely have to be pulled out.
  4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is not treated promptly. When that happens, the tooth has split into two separate parts from the top down to the root. Most times it won’t be possible to save the tooth.
  5. Vertical root fractures begin below the gum line and spread upwards, instead of a crack on the top of the tooth extending down. You may not have symptoms at first, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed for a long period. They often go unnoticed until the crack affects the surrounding gums and bone, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your twice yearly dental checkup. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often an experienced Spanish Lake, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still see a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to going to consistent dental examinations is that your dentist will be able to tell if you have any dental problems you’re not aware of.

Broken Tooth Repair Spanish Lake, MO | Dental Bonding and Crowns | Cosmetic Dentistry Near Spanish Lake

Causes of Broken Teeth in Spanish Lake, MO

A broken tooth is always unexpected, but they usually happen because of a few basic causes. Some common causes include:

  • Trauma to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or an accident, can cause a tooth to break.
  • Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or inedible object can also lead to a broken tooth.
  • Cavities or decay — When a tooth is weakened by decay, it can become more vulnerable to chipping.
  • Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper dental health can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more vulnerable to cracking.
  • Teeth grinding Called bruxism in the medical world, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible for the best restorative results. Ignoring a broken tooth can result in more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Spanish Lake, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your unique circumstances. We will try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be pulled a skilled dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Below are several options that your Spanish Lake, MO dentist may suggest:

  • Dental bonding For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be your best choice. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then attached with an LED light. Bonding usually takes place in one appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more serious damage.
  • Dental veneers — For more serious cracks, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a fine coating of porcelain or composite material that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can make a broken tooth look better and are durable if taken care of correctly. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then affixing the veneer to the tooth. Veneers are more expensive than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting broken tooth solution that looks natural in appearance.
  • Dental crowns For a more extensive fracture, you may require a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns can be constructed from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are a great option for extensive damage.
  • Root canal If the damage to the tooth has reached the nerve, a root canal may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged or infected pulp is removed, and the damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is filled with a special material called gutta-percha. A cap is then placed on top of the tooth to restore its appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and staving off infection.
  • Dental implants If the broken tooth needs to be extracted, dental implants are the modern alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a metal screw will be affixed to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a normal tooth is placed over the screw. The process usually consists of three appointments:
    1. The screw is attached
    2. After the screw forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Spanish Lake, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
    3. You receive your brand new tooth

    Before the permanent replacement is ready, we can fit you to temporary replacements that also look and act like normal teeth.

Unlike fractures in other parts of the body, broken teeth do not completely heal. Getting treatment relieves pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Broken Tooth Repair Spanish Lake, MO | Cosmetic Dentistry | Restorative Dentistry Near Spanish Lake

Preventing Broken Teeth in Spanish Lake, MO

While we can’t control the unexpected, there are things you can do to prevent broken teeth:

  • Avoid chewing on hard objects — Refrain from biting down on hard objects such as ice or inedible objects.
  • Wear a mouthguard — If you engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
  • Practice good oral care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
  • Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, get dental care promptly. Ignoring dental problems can weaken teeth.
  • Consider protective dental treatments — If you have weak or brittle teeth, your dentist may suggest a protective dental treatment, such as a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, to help strengthen your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Spanish Lake, MO

A broken tooth can be a painful and inconvenient experience, but there are several options available for repairing the damage. It’s important to seek treatment promptly so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other dental problems. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Spanish Lake, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Spanish Lake, MO.