4 Dental Options to Repair Broken Teeth
June 13 2021 by Mills Haven Dental
Have you ever broken a tooth? Figuring out that one of your teeth has cracked or chipped away can be an alarming realization. Teeth can break for all kinds of reasons: chewing on hard foods, trauma to the face, and even aging.
Broken teeth are considered a dental emergency—you should connect with your dentist right away. The good news is that chipped or cracked teeth can be repaired with a variety of methods. Keep reading to learn about four of those methods:
- Dental bonding and fillings.
- Porcelain veneers.
- Dental caps or crowns.
- Dental implants.
You and your dentist should work together to find the best option for you.
Dental Bonding and Fillings
If your tooth has minor damage, dental bonding or fillings might be your best bet for repair. Dental bonding involves directly applying composite resin to the surface of your damaged tooth. This resin can be adjusted to match the colour of your natural smile.
The incredible thing about dental bonding and fillings is that many people cannot tell the difference between their real and fake teeth. If properly maintained, your dental bonding can last up to 10 years before needing a touch-up.
Porcelain Veneers
If the damage to your tooth is a little more severe, porcelain veneers are a great solution to drastically change your smile. Dental porcelain is designed to closely resemble tooth enamel.
Veneers are shell-shaped and designed to attach to the front of your tooth—which is great for concealing cracks and chips. However, you should be aware that to fit a porcelain veneer, your dentist will need to shave down some of your natural tooth’s enamel to make room for the attachment. Make sure you carefully consider whether porcelain veneers are the right choice for you, because they are permanent.
Dental Caps or Crowns
If your tooth is severely damaged, a dental cap or crown might be required. A dental cap or crown acts like a cover that fits over your tooth. They are a fantastic solution to protect your tooth from further damage.
Getting fitted for a crown may take a couple of weeks because they are custom-made to match your smile. If you’re experiencing pain, make sure to tell your dentist so they can give you tips for pain control while you wait for your new crown.
FYI: Depending on the damage to your tooth, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. This is a routine procedure that involves cleaning out damaged pulp (the tissue inside your tooth) so that your tooth won’t decay any further.
Dental Implants
If your tooth is severely damaged and the crack extends below your gum line, it’s likely your tooth cannot be saved and will have to be extracted. We know that may scare you, but the good news is there is a possibility you could get a dental implant.
A dental implant involves screwing a rod into your jawbone which will serve as the root for a new, artificial tooth. Dental implants aren’t a one-visit solution. You’ll need to have surgery and it will take time to heal, but once you’ve recovered, you’ll be amazed just how much your new “tooth” functions like the old one.