We know it can be scary to discover that you have a broken tooth. Whether you’ve bitten into something hard and broken a tooth or cracked a tooth while playing frisbee golf at the park, there are a number of procedures available to your dentist that can restore your smile. There are cosmetic and restorative treatment options that can repair or replace damaged teeth. The right procedure for you can be determined during your dentist’s assessment and will depend on the extent of damage to your tooth. Here are five procedures that can help repair a broken tooth:
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Dental Bonding
Composite bonding can repair cracked, chipped, discolored, misshapen, decayed or gapped teeth. The procedure starts by roughening the tooth and applying a conditioning liquid. A color matched putty is then applied, molded, and smoothed before it is hardened using UV light. Once dry, the composite can be shaped and polished to match the rest of your teeth. Dental bonding has an expected life of up to 10 years with proper care.
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Veneers
Veneers are commonly made of a porcelain that is color matched and bonded to the front of the tooth to transform its appearance. With proper care veneers can last up to 30 years before requiring replacement. Veneers are a great option for many people to reface one or more teeth to improve the appearance of their smile. They may not be a good choice for those who grind their teeth as this accelerates wear of the veneer. See your dentist for more information.
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Crowns
A broken or chipped tooth that causes pain when you eat or drink may benefit from a full crown. A crown is one of the most common restorative dental treatments today. It is essentially a cap that covers the tooth for protection and to improve appearance. Crowns can restore the structural integrity of a damaged tooth allowing it to once again withstand the pressure that comes with chewing. Crowns can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, often no one even realizes your teeth are crowned.
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Root Canal
A tooth that has been damaged down into the root often develops an infection in the pulp leading to severe pain and risk of damage to surrounding bone and tissue. Treatment for this extent of damage to a tooth often requires root canal therapy which involves removing the decayed tooth matter and nerve from the root system. The procedure has a reputation for being painful but when done right only minor pain and discomfort is expected. A sudden severe or persistent toothache, swelling, and sensitivity might indicate an infection that would necessitate a root canal if left untreated. See your dentist immediately for any of these symptoms.
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Dental Implants
A crack that extends below the gum line generally means that tooth has lost its structural stability and often can not be saved. In such a case, you may need to have the damaged tooth extracted. A dental implant works as an excellent replacement for your natural tooth. An implant acts as the new root of your tooth, securely placed in the jawbone to ensure a lasting fit. A natural looking tooth matched closely to your other teeth will be affixed to the implant for a permanent solution to a lost tooth.
If you believe you have broken or cracked your tooth, or are suffering persistent tooth pain, have it examined by a dentist immediately. Doing so can help avoid further damage and even possible infection. Prompt treatment can also help save your tooth, thanks to modern dental technology. Come see us at Park Mall Dental Centre in Sherwood Park to talk to one of our dentists to learn more about the effects of a broken tooth, what can be done to repair it, or better yet, what steps you can take to prevent it in the first place.
