Sunset Hills, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Sunset Hills, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Sunset Hills, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and distressing experience. The good news is that a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the tooth is almost completely gone. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Sunset Hills, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the excellent dental services they need, with a team that is makes sure to be kind and professional. If you require broken tooth repair in Sunset Hills, MO, speak to a team member today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Sunset Hills, MO as quickly as possible. If you have a chipped tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone humans have. Nevertheless, through decay or enough force, it can still be broken. When that happens, the inner pulp can be unprotected, leading to pain and, if you don’t see medical treatment, infection.

There are some at-home measures 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 what’s left of your tooth with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain cream)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can cover it with a piece of sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you notice any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Sunset Hills, 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, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are small cracks that only affect the outer enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is for appearances.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a part of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t affect the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t cause much pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the fracture descends from the top of the tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need to get treated early on. If the crack extends below the gum line the tooth will probably be pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is allowed to grow. When that happens, the tooth has split completely in two. Only in rare occasions is it possible to save the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start below the gum line and spread upwards, the opposite of a cracked tooth. You may not have many symptoms, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed for a long period. They often go unnoticed until the crack starts damaging surrounding gums and bone, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your twice yearly dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often a professional Sunset Hills, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the benefits of having consistent dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Sunset Hills, MO

A broken tooth is always unanticipated, but the circumstances surrounding many of them isn’t unique. Some common causes include:

• Trauma to the mouth or face — An injury to the face or mouth, such as during sports or in an auto accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects like ice, nuts, or inedible object can also cause a tooth to crack or break.
• Cavities or decay — When a tooth is weakened by decay, it can become more vulnerable to breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper dental health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more prone to cracking.
• Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, 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. Not getting treatment can cause more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

How We Treat a Broken Tooth in Sunset Hills, MO

Your treatment options for your broken tooth will depend on your unique situation. The goal will be to try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted an experienced dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Below are some options that your Sunset Hills, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then fixed with a special light. Bonding usually takes place in one visit and is among the cheaper options for repairing a broken tooth. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant fractures, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a fine shell of porcelain or composite material that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can improve the appearance of a broken tooth and can last for many years with proper care. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then attaching the veneer to the tooth. Veneers cost more than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for a broken tooth.
• Dental crowns — For a more extensive fracture, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from numerous different substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable if taken care of correctly. The procedure consists of removing the broken portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are a great choice for significant damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the inner parts of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. A cap is then placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing further damage to the tooth.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth needs to be extracted, dental implants are the contemporary alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a metal screw will be attached to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a normal tooth is capped onto the screw. The process usually takes place in three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Sunset Hills, 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 your legs, arms, or elsewhere, broken teeth never completely heal themselves. Getting treatment eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will worsen, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Sunset Hills, MO

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

• Avoid chewing on hard objects — Hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels can cause a tooth to crack or break.
• Wear a mouthguard — If you play sports or are a weekend warrior, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Practice good dental hygiene — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, seek treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring dental problems can make teeth more susceptible to damage.
• 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 Sunset Hills, MO

A broken tooth can be a painful and inconvenient experience, but there are ways to make your tooth look and feel like new again. It’s important to get care as soon as possible so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other issues. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Sunset Hills, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping people of any age who feel nervous in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Sunset Hills, MO.