A broken tooth can be a painful and stressful experience. But don’t worry. There are several options for fixing a broken tooth.
This article will explore seven different ways to fix a broken tooth so that you can make the best decision for your situation. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Do People Get Cracked Teeth?
There are many reasons why someone might develop a cracked tooth. Common causes include trauma, such as a physical blow to the face or jaw, chewing hard foods, and grinding your teeth while sleeping.
Age can also be a factor, as tooth enamel tends to wear down as you get older. In some cases, decay from cavities can weaken the structure of a tooth and make it more prone to breaking.
Types of Cracked Teeth
There are several different types of cracked teeth, each requiring a unique solution. Types of cracks include:
- Craze Lines: These are tiny surface fractures that don’t typically require treatment.
- Fractured Cusp: This occurs when part of the chewing surface chips away, often caused by trauma or decay.
- Cracked Tooth Syndrome: This type of crack extends beneath the enamel and causes extreme pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
- Split Tooth: This is a severe form of cracked tooth syndrome that can cause the tooth to split into two parts.
The Different Types of Dental Procedures to Fix a Broken Tooth
Crown
One of the most common dental procedures for a broken tooth is to cover it with a dental crown. The crown or cap creates a protective barrier over the damaged tooth, giving both durability and aesthetics back to the smile.
Crowns can be made out of either metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or entirely out of porcelain.
Veneers
Alternatively, veneers are semi-permanent wafer-thin shells that are applied to the front surface of a broken or chipped tooth, allowing them to look more aesthetically pleasing like the natural tooth.
Dental Implant
Another option available for a cracked tooth repair is through getting a dental implant to replace it entirely. Read more here about this procedure.
Bonding
Dental bonding is also an excellent solution for small fractures as resin can be sculpted and applied directly on the surface of the tooth for optimum durability and less invasion than drilling into healthy parts of the tooth structure.
Root Canal Treatment
In some instances, root canal therapy may be recommended depending on the severity of damage done or if there is nerve involvement due to trauma.
Fillings
Fillings are one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods for repairing a cracked or broken tooth. By using a restorative material, dentists can quickly restore your broken or decayed tooth to its former strength and appearance.
Moreover, fillings are virtually painless when administered properly by an experienced dentist – making them incredibly beneficial if you have any cavities that need attention.
Dental sealants
Dental sealants are the perfect solution for mending cavities and cracked or infected teeth – they provide a protective coat to counter cavity-causing bacteria and guard against future damage.
Your dentist will apply these sealants to your premolars and morals on the back side of your mouth. With this simple procedure, you can enjoy restored oral hygiene with fewer worries about tooth decay!
Overall, speaking to your dentist will help determine which procedure should be done based on each individual situation.
Why You Should See a Dentist As Soon As Possible?
Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential for effective broken tooth treatment.
In extreme cases, not treating a broken or cracked tooth in time can even trigger the spread of bacteria throughout the body and cause systemic infections requiring hospitalisation.
A qualified dentist can restore broken or chipped teeth using different dental procedures, which will help maintain the structure of your teeth and avoid other serious issues such as gum disease or jaw chaos.
How to Fix a Broken Tooth at Home?
At-home broken tooth remedies can be a great temporary fix for damaged teeth but are no substitute for visiting a qualified dental professional.
In the event of a broken tooth, finding a broken tooth remedy should help to reduce discomfort and prolong the life of your broken tooth until you can get to a dentist.
There are several broken tooth remedies you can try at home, such as rinsing with warm salt water or pressing ice against your cheek over the affected area.
Additionally, consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medications – however, it is important to always read labels carefully and take only what is recommended by age restrictions.
When seeking broken teeth remedies, avoid using common adhesive materials as they may not be safe or effective and seeking professional medical advice could save you from future complications.
In case of a knocked-out tooth, carefully reinsert the tooth into its former position and ensure it is aligned with your other teeth. Gently bite down on a gauze or moist tea bag to keep the tooth secure, but be mindful not to swallow it!
If the previous step is not an option, place your tooth in a container and cover it with either cow’s milk or saliva.
Additionally, you may hold the tooth between your lower lip and gum or tuck it underneath your tongue.
A broken tooth is a serious dental issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. This is because a broken tooth can lead to infection and further damage.
If you have a broken tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Our expert dental team at Southport Park Family Dental can help you fix your broken tooth and quickly get your smile back on track. Contact us on (07) 5655 7688 today to schedule an appointment.
Sources
Treatment Decision-making of Cracked Teeth: Survey of American Endodontists
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31316014/
Using an Existing Crown to Repair a Damaged Cast Post and Core Restoration
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229817/
Dental Emergencies
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/dental-emergencies
Cracked tooth diagnosis and treatment: An alternative paradigm
https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.4103/1305-7456.156840
Broken or knocked out tooth
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000058.htm
Dental injuries – Knocked out, chipped or cracked teeth
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-injuries-tooth-loss
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