If someone has a broken tooth, it is important to get it repaired. A crack makes it easier for bacteria to get into the tooth, and since it may be almost impossible to brush or floss the area, it can quickly lead to decay or infection. Depending on the location and severity of the break, there are numerous options that a dentist may recommend to fix the problem. The sooner you can repair a broken tooth, the more quickly you can eat, chew, or speak normally and without discomfort.
A break can appear as a small crack, or it may consist of losing a chunk of the tooth from trauma or biting down on something hard. The dentist will use the most conservative approach possible to remedy the situation. A cracked tooth can occur from trauma like a sports injury, tooth grinding, age, and other factors. You may first notice sensitivity, pain, or swelling to indicate that there is a problem with the tooth. It is important to schedule a dental appointment to discuss the following remedies.
Bonding is the simplest solution for a small crack. The dentist applies a resin material the color of the teeth to the affected area and then hardens it with a UV light. The bonding process is usually quick and takes no more than 30 minutes. This treatment is often recommended if the tooth only has minor injuries or little decay.
A filling, often made of ceramic or bonding material, may also be used to fix a broken tooth. This filling helps to strengthen the tooth and prevents it from breaking further. A filling can usually be done in one visit. There are different filling materials, but porcelain and composite are often preferred for their longevity and natural appearance.
If the broken tooth is too big for a filling to fix, an inlay or onlay may be used. Both are manufactured in a lab, and an inlay covers the area between the cusps of the tooth while an onlay covers a bigger surface area. The process for both takes two visits. This is an ideal solution for patients where the damage does not warrant a full dental crown.
For a larger break that damages much of the tooth's structure, a crown may be required. The placement of a crown generally takes two visits, as a lab manufactures it after getting a mold and matching it to your natural teeth. While waiting for the permanent crown to be made, which may take up to two weeks, the dentist may attach a temporary crown.
A veneer is an option if there is a small crack in a front tooth. A thin shell of porcelain or resin is applied to the front of the tooth to cover up the crack. This improves the appearance of the imperfection. Veneers can be used for things other than cracks or chips in the teeth, such as creating a more uniform appearance with length or color. Veneers are customer-made and match both the look and feel of the tooth.
If the break impacted the pulp of the tooth, which is the inner part of the tooth that houses the nerves and blood vessels, a root canal may need to be performed. This consists of making a hole in the tooth and cleaning out any decayed or infected tissue in the pulp chamber. Once it is cleaned out, a crown is usually placed on top of the tooth.
If the break is so big that the tooth is unable to be saved, the remaining parts of the tooth may be removed and an implant put in. An implant is inserted into the jawbone and a crown is placed on top. The implant is usually a titanium screw that fuses to the jawbone and provides a stable and permanent fixture for a synthetic tooth. This is a procedure that often takes months to complete. Once the implant is secured, a natural-looking, artificial tooth is placed.
Even if a broken tooth does not hurt, it is important to fix it. It can eventually lead to dental issues, or it may impact the smile. A collection of bacteria in the tooth could develop into a severe infection and abscess, at which point the damage could compromise the tooth. There are various treatment options, depending on the size of the break. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances for healing and no further problems.
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