General Dentistry Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

Broken Tooth Chester, VA

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.

How teeth break

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.

Crown

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.

Veneer

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.

Filling

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.

Fixing a broken tooth can preserve your smile

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.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Broken Tooth in Chester, VA.

Recent Posts

Can A Dental Crown Save Your Tooth?

A dental crown is often the best option to repair the affected area when a patient is dealing with severe tooth damage or decay. Dental crowns can also protect weak or brittle teeth, improve the patient's appearance, and correct many other dental issues. For many people, this type of treatment helps to both restore and…

Dental Crown To Restore A Damaged Tooth

A tooth with significant damage will need a dental crown or cap. This restoration can restore the form and function of your tooth. Getting a large filling or a root canal will need a cap to protect and strengthen the tooth. If you want to know how a dentist will use a dental crown to…

What To Expect In A Dental Crown Procedure

When a filling is insufficient or a tooth is malformed, the dentist may suggest a dental crown to protect, cover, and restore the tooth's structure. While receiving a crown may seem strange or scary, it is a routine and safe process that can strengthen the teeth, extend their life, and restore the natural appearance of…

When A Dental Crown Is Necessary

A dental crown is one of the most common ways to have a tooth restored. However, patients may want to know why the process of restoration is needed. It is a good question that can easily be answered.Outlined below are a few times when a dental crown is necessary. Dental crown placement will not only address…

Recent Posts

Why Oral Hygiene Is Important During Invisalign Treatment

Why Oral Hygiene Is Important During Invisalign Treatment

If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

Traditional metal braces and Invisalign® are two of the most common options for teeth straightening. Continue reading to discover the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. When deliberating between the two options, you might ask questions about their effectiveness and cost. However, the goal is to choose the treatment option that would get the best…