Although teeth are remarkably strong, a bad fall or blow can cause a tooth to chip, crack or break. Exposed nerves on broken teeth are extremely sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks, limiting what you can consume and causing you significant pain. Our dentists can repair the chips in the teeth with tooth-colored material, or place a crown over the tooth.
Your teeth can get chipped or cracked from eating hard foods, being involved in contact sports, or when previous dental procedures go awry.
When a tooth gets cracked or chipped, it can expose the nerves beneath the surface of the tooth and lead to an infection. An infection in a tooth’s root can enter the bloodstream and spread. An untreated infection requires a root canal to prevent further infection and pain.
Modern dentistry has solutions to cracked or chipped teeth due to the use of advanced technology. Some of those dental treatment options for a broken tooth include the following:
Crowns can be useful in covering the entire affected portion of the tooth. They are thicker than veneers and restore the tooth’s shape and appearance. Typically, crowns are made of metal, porcelain, and ceramic. The Dentist will match the color of your existing teeth to give you a uniform smile.
Veneers are custom-made colored shells made out of porcelain or composite resin material. Veneers are the most popular cosmetic, restorative solution for improving your smile. This dental process aims at addressing dental and cosmetic issues and is widely used to correct a chip or cracked teeth.
Dental implants are an extensive procedure to restore broken teeth, particularly the teeth near the gum-line. It is a simple process in which dentists remove the broken tooth, creates a mold, and then affixes the new looking tooth where the old broken tooth was. This is a permanent type of dental implant.
Bonding is when the dentist uses a composite material to mold and correct the chip or crack in a tooth. A blue light then hardens the composite molding and fixes the tooth.
Fillings are among the safest and most used dental procedures that can be used to fix broken teeth. The dentist fixes cracked or broken teeth temporarily using the restorative material. It is painless and cost-efficient.
Dental sealants protect your broken tooth by acting as a barrier against cavity-causing bacteria that damage your teeth. Your dentist places a dental sealant on the backside of your molars and premolars.
It’s important that you contact us for a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth in order to avoid a dental emergency. This can help you explore the suitable option for dental treatment.
A broken tooth can be a distressing experience, causing pain, discomfort, and affecting your ability to eat and speak. At Emergency Dentistry in Southwest Florida, we understand the urgency of addressing broken teeth promptly to restore your oral health and confidence. Let’s explore the common causes of broken teeth, the potential risks they pose, and the treatment options available.
Common Causes Of Broken Teeth
- Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can result in broken or fractured teeth. Trauma to the mouth can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break, depending on the force of impact.
- Untreated Tooth Decay: Tooth decay weakens the structure of the tooth, making it more susceptible to breaking or fracturing. If left untreated, decay can progress and compromise the integrity of the tooth, leading to breakage.
- Biting or Chewing Hard Objects: Chewing on hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or pens can exert excessive pressure on the teeth, causing them to crack or break.
- Old Fillings Or Restorations: Old or deteriorating dental fillings, crowns, or other restorations can weaken the tooth structure and increase the risk of breakage.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, can place excessive force on the teeth, leading to cracks, fractures, or wear over time.
Symptoms Of Broken Teeth
- Visible cracks, chips, or fractures in the teeth
- Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Sharp or jagged edges on the broken tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the broken tooth
- Difficulty eating or speaking
Treatment Options For Broken Teeth
At Emergency Dentistry in Southwest Florida, you can expect your dentist to explain the best treatment method for your condition. For broken teeth, some treatment methods you can expect include:
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective treatment for minor chips or cracks in the teeth. During the procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the affected tooth and sculpted to match its natural shape. The resin is then hardened with a special light, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
- Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a broken or damaged tooth above the gumline. Crowns restore the strength, function, and appearance of the tooth while protecting it from further damage. They are often recommended for more extensive fractures or when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised.
- Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are an excellent option for repairing minor chips or cracks and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the smile.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the breakage extends into the pulp (innermost part) of the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the infected or damaged tissue and save the tooth. During the procedure, the pulp chamber is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible material to seal the root canal.
- Dental Implants: In cases where a broken tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary followed by dental implant placement. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is attached to restore function and aesthetics.
- Extraction: In severe cases of tooth breakage or when the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option. Our dentists will carefully remove the broken tooth to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Trust Emergency Dentistry To Care For Your Smile
- Immediate Care: We offer same-day emergency appointments, seven days a week, to address broken teeth promptly and alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Experienced Dentists: Our skilled dentists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dental emergencies, ensuring high-quality care and optimal outcomes.
- State-Of-The-Art Facilities: Our locations in Charlotte and Sarasota counties are equipped with advanced technology and amenities to provide safe, effective treatment in a comfortable environment.
- Comprehensive Services: From cosmetic dentistry to restorative procedures, we offer a full range of dental services to meet your needs under one roof.
- Compassionate Care: We understand the urgency and anxiety associated with dental emergencies. Our compassionate team is here to provide gentle care and support throughout your visit.
Broken teeth can be painful and affect your oral health and quality of life. At Emergency Dentistry in Southwest Florida, we’re here to provide prompt and effective treatment to restore your smile and oral health. Don’t ignore a broken tooth—contact us today for immediate care and relief.
