A healthy and beautiful smile symbolizes confidence, self-love, and a high-quality lifestyle. We all understand how a harmonious grin can lead to better overall wellness and more effective personal and social interactions. However, sometimes accidents happen and cause imperfections and flaws, affecting the health and appearance of our smile. A broken tooth is a common dental issue that may occur for many people worldwide. It poses risks to oral health and aesthetics. Fortunately, with the advancements in dentistry, various solutions are available to restore a broken tooth. This topic is exactly what we are going to explore today.
Are you ready to learn? Let’s go!
A Quick Glance to the Common Causes of Tooth Breakage
A tooth breakage might happen due to various causes. Sometimes, it occurs because of underlying health problems or external forces. Below, we have mentioned some of the most common causes of tooth breakage. Let’s check them out!
- Experiencing accidents or trauma: Some accidents, such as car collisions, falling off stairs, or physical activities like sports, can cause tooth breakage.
- Chewing hard foods and biting hard objects: Hard foods and objects such as candies or ice can cause damage to your teeth.
- Severe decay: A severely decayed tooth is more prone to be broken by normal pressures of chewing or biting.
How to Prevent a Tooth from Breaking
Preventing tooth breakage is possible by following some simple tips. You should adhere to regular oral hygiene practices, avoid chewing crunchy and hard foods, take regular dental checkups seriously, and use a mouth guard during sports or if you are dealing with bruxism.
Available Treatment Options to Restore a Broken Tooth
The advancements in knowledge and equipment in dentistry have made the treatment of broken teeth much easier. Patients are free to select a treatment option that suits their needs and preferences.
Dental Crowns for Broken Teeth
Broken teeth usually don’t have enough stability and resistance against chewing pressures. Dental crowns can be placed on them, preventing further damage and restoring their functions and appearance.
Dental Veneers for Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth can make your smile look less attractive and unharmonious. So, dental veneers can help you to achieve a natural and impactful smile again. They are thin shells designed to cover chips and imperfections in your teeth.
Dental Bonding: A Quick Fix for Minor Breaks
For patients who are not dealing with severe and large breaks, the dentist may recommend dental bonding. It is a cost-effective, quick, and efficient solution to restore minor breaks.
When Is the Right Time to See a Dentist?
Timely action is a key factor in an efficient treatment. Being informed about the signs and symptoms and visiting the dentist at the right time can increase the chance of the treatment’s success.
Signs That You Need Professional Help
After a tooth breakage, you need to stay alert to check for any signs that might suggest a serious issue. These signs are:
- Severe and permanent pain
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Abscess and swelling
- Visible changes and damages
What Is the Immediate Care for Severe Tooth Breakage?
If your tooth is severely broken and damaged, you should follow some tips to handle the problem immediately before visiting your dentist. You should stop bleeding by applying a gauze pad to the damaged area. Keep in mind to collect the missing parts of your teeth and keep them in saliva or milk. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with warm water. It removes the debris and dirt.
How Long Can You Wait Before Treatment?
The time you can wait to receive the treatment is directly related to the severity of tooth break. In cases with minor chips, waiting a few days to a week is usually acceptable. However, individuals with large and severe breakages need to visit their dentist immediately.
You Can Always Count on Us!
We have gathered the most experienced and skilled dental professionals at Eagle Family Dentistry. They provide you with popular restorative treatments you may find interesting.
The Long-Term Care After Restoring a Broken Tooth
Long-term care is a key factor in preserving the outcomes in the long run and maintaining oral health and overall wellness.
- Good oral hygiene is necessary to reduce the risk of plaque buildup and more serious issues such as infection. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss after meals.
- It is recommended to avoid hard or crunchy foods or snacks to prevent damage.
- If you participate in contact sports or you are struggling with bruxism, using a mouthguard can preserve your oral health.
- See your dentist for regular checkups. The dentist can examine your teeth and gums, catching the issues at an early stage and reducing the risk of severe problems in the future,
Bottom Line
Restoring a broken tooth requires prompt attention and careful treatment. There are several effective methods, including dental crowns, veneers, and bonding, depending on the severity of the break. It’s essential to seek professional care when necessary, especially for severe damage, and to follow proper long-term care practices to maintain the restoration. Regular dental checkups and preventive measures can help ensure the longevity of your teeth and prevent future breakage.
Need top-quality restorative dental procedures to improve the health and aesthetics of your teeth? We are here for you! Our experienced team is professional in handling damaged and broken teeth, helping you achieve the smile you have always wished for. Give us a call right away and take the first step toward a healthier life.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to restore a broken tooth?
The best way depends on the severity. Options include dental bonding, crowns, veneers, or root canal treatment if the pulp is affected.
2. How long does it take to fix a broken tooth at the dentist?
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the damage and the chosen treatment.
3. Can a broken tooth be fixed with a filling?
Yes, if the break is minor, a filling can restore the tooth. For larger breaks, other treatments like crowns might be needed.
4. What should I do if my tooth breaks at home?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and see a dentist as soon as possible. If you have a broken piece, keep it in milk or saliva.
5. Are dental crowns the best solution for a broken tooth?
Crowns are often the best solution for significant breaks, as they cover the entire tooth and restore its function.
6. Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
A broken tooth does not heal on its own. Dental intervention is necessary to restore its function and prevent further damage.
7. How much does it cost to restore a broken tooth?
Costs vary widely, but a dental filling can range from $100 to $500, while crowns can cost $800 to $1,500, depending on the material and location.
