Fix Broken Teeth
In addition to being painful and creating functional difficulties, the cosmetic appearance of a broken tooth can negatively impact a person’s self-confidence. There are countless things that can lead to a tooth breaking but some of the most common are accidents, trauma, eating hard foods such as candy or ice, and cavities.
Fortunately, technological advancements in modern dentistry have created solutions to most dental issues meaning patients around the world now have access to emergency dental procedures and treatments. For patients suffering from a broken tooth, consulting a dentist is the first step. Based on the evaluation during the consultation, the dentist is able to professionally guide the patient on the best course of treatment for the condition.
In this article, we will briefly discuss some of the most common treatment options that can be used to remedy a broken tooth.
7 Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
- Crown: Able to cover the entire affected area of the tooth, crowns are a convenient option for fixing a broken or damaged tooth. Thicker than veneers, crowns restore the tooth’s appearance and shape. Crowns are generally made of either ceramic, metal, or porcelain and are considered by dentists to be the safest option for fixing or restoring broken or damaged teeth.
- Veneers: Made of porcelain or composite resin, veneers are custom-made to match the color and appearance of the patient’s natural teeth. Because of their ability to restore cosmetic appearances, veneers are the most popular solution for improving a person’s smile.
- Bonding: Because it is non-invasive and relatively straightforward, most dentists consider bonding to be the least involved procedure for correcting a damaged or broken tooth. The dentist places a composite material over the affected area to improve appearances. After shaping the material to the desired look and feel, the material is hardened using an ultraviolet light.
- Dental Sealant: Dental sealants are ideal for fixing holes in teeth and serve to protect infected or cracked teeth by acting as a barrier against damaging bacteria. Dentists place the dental sealant on the back of the patient’s molars and premolars.
- Dental Implant: Should the damage to a tooth be so extensive that removal is necessary, a dental implant is an ideal solution for replacing the lost tooth. To place the implant, the dentist removes the damaged tooth. A metal rod is then implanted into the gumline on which a dental crown is screwed into place. Because surgery is involved, dental implants are more invasive and generally costlier than the other options.
- Root Canal: When a tooth breaks or cracks, an infectious pulp can develop in the void within the tooth. In these situations, dentists often recommend a root canal procedure to remove the infection before placing a crown to prevent any possible further spread of the infection.
- Filling: Another safe method for correcting a broken tooth is the use of fillings. Dentists use restorative material to correct the damaged area and can be beneficial if the tooth has decayed from a cavity. Fillings are cost-effective and painless.
More on Fixing Teeth : Fixing Tooth Pain & Headache