How to Fix a Broken Tooth: Know Your Options
Although teeth are composed of multiple layers of hard and soft tissue, they can still break or chip for several reasons. If you currently have a broken or chipped tooth and are wondering what your restorative options are, you came to the right place! Below, we’ll explain how to fix a broken tooth with our available treatments. It’s important to know your options so you can smile confidently once again!
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How to Care for a Broken Tooth
Firstly, if you’ve broken or chipped a tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Even if your tooth is asymptomatic, it could become damaged further, or worse, get infected, ultimately causing you to lose the tooth. To avoid that, schedule a dental appointment immediately. In the meantime, we’d advise taking these self-care measures:
- If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm saltwater.
- If the break or chip has caused a sharp or jagged edge, you can place orthodontic wax or a piece of sugarless chewing gum on the area. This will keep it from cutting the inside of your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- Until the broken tooth is treated, eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the fractured tooth.
Treatment Options For a Broken Tooth
The available options to treat a broken or chipped tooth will depend on how severely damaged the tooth is. If only a small piece of enamel is broken, the repair can typically be done in one appointment. If a sizable portion of the tooth is missing or badly damaged, it may require a more lengthy procedure. Below are some of the ways a broken or chipped tooth can be repaired:
Dental Filling or Bonding
A dental filling is a restorative option used when only a small piece of tooth enamel has broken. A filling consists of a tooth-colored composite material that is used to replace the minor damaged area. If the chip is on a front tooth, the dentist will more than likely recommend dental bonding, which is a tooth-colored composite resin.
About The Procedure
Generally, composite fillings or dental bonding are simple procedures. To bond, a tooth typically doesn’t require numbing, and both procedures are usually completed in one appointment.
Dental Crown
When a large piece of tooth breaks or has significant decay, the dentist may recommend a dental crown to restore the tooth. When a substantial amount of tooth structure is compromised, a dental filling will not adequately protect the tooth. However, a full-coverage crown will protect the entire tooth from further damage while improving its appearance and functionality. Permanent crowns are made in various materials, and your dentist will advise which type is the best for you.
About The Procedure
Repairing a broken tooth with a dental crown usually requires two office visits. During your first appointment, the dentist will assess if the break or decay is near the nerve of your tooth. In which case, you may be advised to have a root canal along with your crown. If the nerve is not affected, the dentist will prep your tooth and then place a temporary crown. Within a few weeks, you’ll have your second appointment, which consists of delivering your custom crown.
Dental Veneers
If you have a broken or chipped front tooth, a dental veneer can make your smile look natural once again. A veneer is a thin shell that covers the whole front section of a tooth and is only used to treat front teeth. A dental veneer is either made of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite and can have a thicker portion that replaces the missing part of the tooth.
About The Procedure
Your tooth will be prepped by the dentist, which involves removing some enamel from the surface. Then, a digital impression will be taken and sent to a dental lab for your custom veneer to be made. A temporary veneer will be placed on your tooth until the permanent veneer is ready. Within a few weeks, the custom veneer will be finished and can be placed on your tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
Any time a tooth has a large chip or break, there’s a chance the nerve or pulp of your tooth is exposed. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and if bacteria were to enter this area, it could infect the tooth.
An indication that there could be nerve involvement would include:
- A toothache or throbbing pain in your tooth
- Changes in tooth color
- Sensitivity to heat
- Gum or facial swelling
- A pimple noticed on the gum line by the tooth (Abscess)
When a nerve is damaged or diseased, it can die and needs to be removed. Otherwise, it can become infected, causing you to lose your tooth. To avoid that, root canal therapy is recommended to save your natural tooth.
About The Procedure
The procedure involves removing the dead pulp, cleaning the root canals, and then sealing it until a permanent crown is placed. Root canals can either be performed by a general dentist or endodontist. Typically, the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. In most cases, the dentist will advise you to get a permanent crown to cover the fragile tooth following a root canal procedure.
Replacement Options For a Broken Tooth
In some cases, a broken tooth may need to be entirely replaced. Below are some replacement options for a broken tooth:
Extraction
Sometimes a broken tooth isn’t savable and may need to be extracted. A tooth extraction may be a simple procedure or more involved requiring surgery. Once the damaged tooth is removed, it’s recommended to get the tooth replaced with either a dental implant, bridge, or partial. The reason being, if the space is left empty, the surrounding teeth will start shifting into the opening. To avoid that, the dentist will advise a tooth replacement so that you can have a functional smile.
About The Procedure
A dental extraction can be done in one appointment and does require numbing, so you’ll be comfortable during the procedure. Typically, an easy removal of a tooth is called a simple extraction. But if the tooth is broken to the gum line or more challenging to remove, it may require a surgical extraction to remove it properly.
Dental Implants
A dental implant feels, looks, and functions just like a natural tooth. There are three parts to a dental implant, including the implant post, an abutment, and a crown. After your broken tooth is extracted, your dentist can surgically provide you with a dental implant to restore your smile. If you need to replace multiple teeth, you’ll likely require an implant bridge, in which dental implants are inserted and a bridge is placed over them.
About The Procedure
A dental implant procedure often requires several visits with your dentist. The process includes taking digital x-rays, CT cone beam scans, and digital impressions to ensure your implant matches perfectly with your existing natural teeth.
Make an Appointment with Brand Dental
We hope you now know how to fix a broken tooth with our available dental options. When a tooth is broken or chipped, it’s essential to get it treated before experiencing further damage or nerve involvement. If you have recently broken or chipped a tooth, we’d be happy to schedule you an appointment at our Kingston, PA office to go over treatment solutions to restore your smile. Also, in the event of a dental emergency, we offer same-day dental emergency services for all of our patients.
