A broken tooth can happen in an instant resulting from an accident, dental decay, periodontal disease, or simply eating hard foods. If you suffer a fractured tooth, it is important to get to your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth evaluated. There are a number of treatment options available to fix a broken tooth including dental crowns and veneers. In some severe cases, the tooth can be fractured beyond repair and it may be necessary to have the tooth extracted.
What is the treatment for a broken tooth?
Depending on the severity of the damage to your tooth, some treatments may be more appropriate than others.
Dental sealants: sealants are typically used on pediatric patients to protect posterior teeth from decay but they can also be used as a protective restoration on a broken tooth to prevent further damage. Sealants are applied in liquid form and are cured with an ultraviolet light to form a hard, protective plastic coating. Sealants can be used as a temporary fix until a permanent restoration can be placed.
Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective way to repair a broken tooth. Bonding is a resin material and is not as strong as porcelain and is only appropriate for minor chips and breaks in the teeth. The color of the dental bonding is matched to the rest of your teeth. Because it is not as strong as porcelain, it is more susceptible to chipping and staining.
Composite fillings: A composite filling is typically used to restore a tooth when decay has been removed but it can also be used to repair a broken tooth. Like bonding, composite fillings are also tinted to match your natural tooth structure.
Dental crown: A crown is most often made from porcelain and covers the entire tooth above the gumline. Crowns are commonly used on the posterior teeth but may also be used on anterior teeth when necessary. Porcelain is very strong and durable and does not stain.
Dental veneers: Veneers are made from porcelain but unlike crowns, a veneer only covers the front of the tooth therefore, more natural tooth structure is able to be preserved. Veneers are most often used on anterior teeth and are incredibly natural-looking.
Dental Implants: A severely broken tooth may be hopeless and require extraction. In this case, a dental implant is a great way to restore your tooth and ensure that your mouth stays healthy.
It is important to see your dentist as soon as you can following a broken tooth. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, a broken tooth will only get worse as time goes on. Most dental offices reserve emergency time in their schedule every day so you should be able to get in. Even if they are unable to repair the tooth, they will be able to put a protective restoration on the tooth so it does not become further damaged.