Webster Groves, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Webster Groves, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Webster Groves, MO. A broken tooth can impact your daily activities such as chewing and talking, and can also affect your confidence. Thankfully, a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the damage is extensive. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Webster Groves, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the expert dental care they need, with a staff that is strives to be amiable and helpful. If you require broken tooth repair in Webster Groves, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment 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 Webster Groves, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a chipped tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the most durable material humans have. Yet, after an injury or due to poor oral habits, it can still be broken. When that happens, the inner pulp can be exposed, causing pain and, if untreated, infection.

There are some at-home measures you can take to help manage any symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

• Collect any substantial pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• Rinse your mouth out with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re experiencing pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical oral pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can shield 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 see any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Webster Groves, MO dentist immediately.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the seriousness of the chip and its location on the tooth. In general, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They are ordinary, 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 occurs when a part of the top surface of the tooth breaks off. These happen more commonly to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t damage the pulp and therefore don’t result in much pain, however you may experience some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface of a tooth down to the gum line. 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 probably be pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated. 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 start below the gum line and extend up, instead of a crack on the chewing surface extending down. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. They often go unnoticed until the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your twice yearly dental checkup. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often a professional Webster Groves, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to having consistent dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Webster Groves, MO

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

• An injury 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 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 vulnerable to chipping.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper oral hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more susceptible to cracking.
• Teeth grinding — Also known as bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. Not getting treatment can result in more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Webster Groves, 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 avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a knowledgeable dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Here are several options that your Webster Groves, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best choice. In this procedure, 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 minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more extensive damage.
• Dental veneers — For more serious cracks, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a fine shell of porcelain or composite material that is personalized to fit exactly over the top of your teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of a broken tooth and are durable with proper care. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then bonding 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 severe damage or decay, you may need a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns are constructed from various materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years with proper care. The process involves removing the broken portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are often the best option for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, 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 on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function. 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 contemporary alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a metal screw will be affixed to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a normal tooth is placed over the screw. The process usually takes place in three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw has fused with your jawbone, your Webster Groves, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. The crown is placed over the screw

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, you’ll have 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 manages pain, makes it less likely that a crack will worsen, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you proud of your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Webster Groves, MO

While accidents can happen, there are things you can do 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 proper oral care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year for examinations 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. Not doing so 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 safeguard your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Webster Groves, 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 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 Webster Groves, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping people of any age who feel apprehensive in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Webster Groves, MO.