Woodson Terrace, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Woodson Terrace, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Woodson Terrace, MO. A broken tooth can impact your daily tasks like chewing and talking, and can also have consequences for your self-esteem. The good news is that there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Woodson Terrace, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the quality dental care they need, with a team that is always kind and helpful. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Woodson Terrace, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Woodson Terrace, MO as quickly as possible. If you have a chipped tooth where you just lost some enamel, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nonetheless, through decay or enough force, it’s not unbreakable. In those instances, the nerves inside of the teeth can be uncovered, causing pain and, if you don’t see dental treatment, infection.

There are some things you can do at home to help your early 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
• Wash your mouth out with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can cover it with some sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you see any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Woodson Terrace, MO dentist immediately.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are small cracks in the enamel. They are common, and they can be hard to discover. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is so it looks better.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t harm the pulp and consequently don’t result in a whole lot of pain, however symptoms may include some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means the break descends from the top of the tooth down to the gum line. As the crack can start small and get bigger, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need to get treated early on. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root 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 repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start below the gum line and spread upwards, instead of a crack on the top of the tooth extending down. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your biannual dental checkup. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often a skilled Woodson Terrace, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. One of the benefits of having consistent dental examinations is that your dentist will be able to tell if you have any dental problems you’re not aware of.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Woodson Terrace, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — An injury to the face or mouth, such as during sports or in a motor vehicle accident, can cause a tooth to break.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as ice, nuts, 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 breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper dental hygiene can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more susceptible to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Also known as bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s important to seek treatment early to minimize how invasive a corrective procedure will be. Ignoring a broken tooth can cause more serious complications, such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

How We Treat a Broken Tooth in Woodson Terrace, 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. The goal will be to try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a skilled dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Here are some treatments that your Woodson Terrace, 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 hardened with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be the best option for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant cracks, a dental veneer may be recommended. 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 make a broken tooth look better and are durable if taken care of properly. The process consists of removing a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then bonding 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 severe damage or decay, 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 constructed from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The process consists of 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 nerve, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth is taken out, 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 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 extracted, dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace the tooth. 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 natural tooth is placed over 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 do not completely heal. Getting treatment manages 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 Woodson Terrace, MO

While accidents can happen, 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.
• Follow proper oral health — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist consistently for checkups and cleanings and polishings can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
• 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 recommend a protective dental treatment, such as a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, to help protect your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Woodson Terrace, MO

A broken tooth can affect basic activities and make you less confident in your smile, but there are several options available for repairing the damage. It’s important to get care as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Woodson Terrace, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Woodson Terrace, MO.