Warson Woods, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Warson Woods, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Warson Woods, MO. A broken tooth can impact your basic tasks such as eating and talking, and can also have consequences for your confidence. Fortunately, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Warson Woods, MO residents of all ages get the expert dental services they need, with a staff that is makes sure to be amiable and helpful. If you’re looking for broken tooth repair in Warson Woods, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should see a dentist in Warson Woods, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a chipped tooth where you just lost some of your tooth’s outer layer, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone humans have. Nevertheless, because of decay or enough force, it’s not indestructible. When that happens, the nerves inside of the teeth can be unprotected, causing pain and, if you don’t see medical treatment, infection.

There are some things you can do yourself to help manage any pain and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

• Collect any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Wash what’s left of your tooth with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical oral pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can protect it with some sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you see any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental care in Warson Woods, MO.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the crack and its location on the tooth. Generally, broken teeth are broken down into five types:

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface detaches. These happen more easily to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t harm the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t cause much pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the fracture descends from the top of the tooth down to the gum line. As the crack can spread, saving the tooth requires to get treated early on. 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 allowed to grow. When that happens, the tooth has split entirely in two. Most times it won’t be possible to save the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures begin at the root of the tooth and extend up, 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 if you don’t see a dentist regularly. They often go unnoticed until the crack starts damaging surrounding tissue, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your twice yearly dental checkup. The tooth may have to be taken out, but often a professional Warson Woods, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic therapy.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the advantages to going to biannual dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Warson Woods, 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 sports or an accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as 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 prone to cracking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing good dental hygiene can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more susceptible to cracking.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the medical world, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s essential to seek treatment early to prevent further damage or infection. Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Warson Woods, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the type of break, where it is on the tooth, and the extent of the damage. We will try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a skilled dentist will still be able to fully restore your smile. Below are some options that your Warson Woods, MO dentist may recommend:

• Dental bonding — For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then attached with a high-intensity laser. Bonding usually takes place in one visit and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be the best option for more extensive damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant damage, a dental veneer may be a good option. 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 make a broken tooth look better and can last for many years with proper care. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then attaching 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, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns can be made from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable if taken care of correctly. The procedure consists of removing the damaged portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are a great option for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the inner parts of the tooth, you may need a root canal. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth 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 preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth needs to be pulled, dental implants are the modern alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a small titanium post will be affixed to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts just like a natural tooth is capped onto 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 Warson Woods, 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 eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you confident with your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Warson Woods, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to prevent broken teeth:

• Don’t bite down on 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 proper oral hygiene — 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 decay, gingivitis, or another 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 recommend 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 Warson Woods, 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 seek treatment 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 Warson Woods, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who feel nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Warson Woods, MO.