Most people can’t even imagine losing a tooth as an adult, but the reality is that dental injuries to permanent teeth happen all of the time. If something has happened and you have a cracked tooth or a broken tooth, rest assured that there are a variety of modern dental solutions that can restore your smile. A common scenario is a blow to the mouth while engaging in a sporting activity that results in a tooth that’s broken or cracked. Regardless of how the problem occurred, it’s important to get the problem taken care of right away.
The first thing that you’ll want to do is assess whether you have a head injury requiring immediate medical attention, which is the priority. Once you’re certain that there are no emergency health issues, you’ll want to see a dentist as soon as possible. Below are some of the options for fixing a tooth that’s broken or cracked.
Fixing A Broken Tooth
Choosing the right treatment for a tooth that’s broken is contingent upon how much of the tooth broke off. The most common causes are not considered an emergency because only a small portion of the tooth is gone and the tooth can be repaired with dental bonding. This is a relatively simple process that involves restoring the shape of your tooth with a material that’s tooth-colored. Dental bonding is a common procedure that takes very little time. Part of the reason why dental bonding is so popular is that the bonding material matches the color of your teeth and usually looks wonderful. Another option for when a relatively small piece of your tooth is broken is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers cover the front surface of the tooth in its entirety
If a larger part of your tooth was broken and the tooth’s pulp is exposed, there’s a good chance that you will need a root canal and a crown. While the idea of a root canal can seem scary, it’s a routine procedure that only requires local anesthesia. If the break is large but does not expose the pulp of your tooth, then a veneer or crown is likely the best solution. The process is a little bit more involved because you’ll have to wear a temporary veneer or crown until the permanent restoration is prepared, which usually happens within the next day or two.
Fixing A Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth, also referred to as a fractured tooth, can cause a lot of pain, but sometimes you just feel discomfort that comes and goes. Even though the pain will likely drive you to a dentist, the reason why it’s so important to get the problem taken care of right away is that a crack can lead to an infection, which will exacerbate the problem and create other issues.
The severity of the crack will determine what kind of treatment is best. For instance, a crack that exposes the pulp of your tooth will probably require a root canal and a crown, similar to a broken tooth. However, if the pulp of your tooth is not exposed, then there’s a chance that your tooth can be fixed with filling material that’s tooth-colored, a crown, or a veneer. In the event that the crack is beneath your gum line or your tooth has fractured into pieces, then there’s a good chance that it will have to be removed and replaced. When this happens, most people want to find a solution right away. Fortunately, you can usually receive a dental implant on the same day that your tooth is extracted.
If you have a tooth that’s broken or cracked, Dental Specialty Associates of Phoenix and Dental Specialty Associates of Gilbert can guide you through the process of finding the right solution that fits your needs. You’ll have your smile back before you know it.
