Having a broken tooth can be an embarrassing condition. You may want to hide your smile or avoid being around other people. You could be in pain as well. A fractured tooth can lead to serious dental issues such as tooth decay, tooth loss, and bone loss. You can take comfort in knowing that your dentist can take you through some procedures to treat this problem. Your dentist will examine you to determine which treatment makes the most sense for your needs.
The enamel layer of a tooth is stronger than bone and is, in fact, the strongest substance in the body. This makes a tooth durable and able to withstand much wear and tear. But teeth can still break and suffer other damage. Not taking care of everyday oral hygiene can weaken a tooth and introduce decay and infections. As a result, the tooth could deteriorate and become prone to fracturing.
Accidents and injuries also can cause a tooth to break. Biting into something hard such as a utensil or certain foods can break a tooth. A fall or a hard blow to the mouth can have the same effect. These incidents can occur while playing sports or in other activities.
A dental crown is often the first line of defense against a broken tooth. This device fits entirely over the tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring its form and function. Crowns are typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or a composite material. The dentist can make the crown to be the desired size, shape, and color of the tooth before it suffered damage. Crowns typically last around 10 years with good care and maintenance. Before placing a crown, the dentist often must perform a root canal to clean out any decay in the tooth.
Similar to crowns, a dental veneer restores the appearance of the broken tooth. It can change its shape and cover up any aesthetic blemishes the fracture caused. A veneer is a thin shell, usually made of porcelain. The dentist will choose a color shade that blends in well with the surrounding teeth. It bonds to the front of the affected tooth.
The same treatment for a cavity may work well to repair a broken tooth. The filling material can build up the missing area of the tooth. This is a good treatment if the break is small. A filling will not often last as long as a crown or veneer, however. The patient should be cautious not to eat hard foods or bite objects such as fingernails or pens.
Breaking a tooth can be painful and increase your risk of having other dental problems. It may also make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. But you do not have to panic and think your smile is forever lost. Your dentist can choose one of these treatment options to make your tooth look whole once again. Make an appointment today so that your dentist can repair this damage.
Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.
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