Have you ever experienced a broken or cracked tooth? Or are you noticing signs such as sensitivity, pain when chewing, or visible damage to your tooth? If your answer is yes, you should consider visiting a dentist immediately to repair the broken tooth.
This is important as it can further prevent damage to your tooth. Delaying treatment could potentially lead to more costly and painful dental complications in the future. Let’s take a look at different ways in which dentists repair broken teeth.
What Can Cause a Cracked Tooth?
Before getting into the details of fixing a cracked tooth, it is first important to know what can cause a cracked tooth in the first place. By recognizing the factors that contribute to tooth cracking, you can take necessary precautions to prevent it. Furthermore, understanding the underlying cause of the crack enables your dentist to devise the most effective treatment plan.
Some common reasons for a cracked tooth include:
- Chewing on hard objects
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma or accidents
- Uneven chewing pressure or weak teeth
Weak teeth may also result from various factors such as loss of tooth structure, cavities, or previous root canal therapy.
How Dentists Perform Cracked Tooth Repair?
Although several dental procedures can save you from a cracked tooth, you may need a tooth extraction if you have a severely cracked tooth. Here are the ways a dentist can repair your broken tooth:
Dental Fillings or Bonding
If your tooth only needs a small repair or you do not have a severely cracked tooth, your dentist will recommend a dental filling. If, however, your broken tooth is visible when you smile, the dentist will go for dental bonding.
Dental bonding is a painless dental procedure that repairs a broken tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will first prepare the surface of your tooth with a gel or liquid. This is done to smooth out your tooth surface. Following this, the dentist will add an adhesive to the tooth and apply a tooth-colored resin.
Once the resin is applied, the dentist will shape the bonding material to resemble your natural teeth. Lastly, he will harden this material under ultraviolet light.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are mostly used for split tooth repair, especially in the front of your mouth. This results in having teeth that look white and healthy. The veneers are composed of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite that is applied over the front of your tooth.
During this procedure, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the surface of your tooth. After this, he takes an impression of your tooth and sends it to a laboratory to design a customized veneer. The customization process usually takes about a week or two.
Once the veneer is ready, the dentist prepares the tooth surface with a special liquid to smooth out the surface. Following this, a dental cement is added to the veneer and applied to the affected tooth. Once this is done, a specialized light is used to activate chemicals in the cement, which hardens it quickly.
Dental Crown or Cap
If a large portion of your tooth is cracked or decayed, a dental crown or cap may be used to cover it. The procedure involves grinding off a part of the affected tooth and covering it with a crown or tooth-shaped cap. This is done to protect the tooth from further damage and improve its appearance.
The dental crowns are made of various materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or resin. Depending on your case, the dentist will choose either of the materials. If, however, you wish to have the most durable option, go for all metal crowns. If you want your tooth to resemble your natural tooth, go for porcelain or resin crowns.
Root Canal Therapy
Your teeth are comprised of enamel that covers the pulp. The pulp is the center of a tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If your tooth breaks or cracks, this pulp may also be exposed and lead to infection. Moreover, if you have a sensitive tooth, there is a chance of infection in the pulp.
If this infection is not removed with a root canal treatment, the tooth can also become infected and result in tooth extraction. The root canal involves eliminating the dead pulp of a tooth, cleaning the root canal, and sealing the area.
Dental Implant
If your tooth is severely cracked or broken, a dental implant may be the best option. This involves extracting the remaining tooth, placing a dental device in the root, and covering the tooth with a crown resembling the tooth.
The best part about these crowns is that they not only look like your natural tooth but also act like one. Over time, the implant is also fused with your jawbone, leading to a strong and long-lasting support.
To Sum It Up
Dentists can repair broken teeth in many ways with a filling, veneer, dental crown, root canal, or dental implant. These options are excellent for treating various levels of cracked teeth. To explore these options or consult with a dentist, visit us at 30 Central Avenue Osseo or schedule an appointment online today.
Contact us at:
Phone: (763) 425-2626
Email: office@osseofamilydental.com