What Can Dentists Do to Fix Broken Teeth?
You were eating a hard piece of candy, or maybe chewing on some ice, when you heard a loud “crunch” from inside your mouth. Fear filled your mind as you wondered, “Did I just break my tooth?”
It’s not uncommon for teeth to chip or break, and it’s never a pleasant experience when it happens. The first thought on many people’s minds is, what can my dentist do to fix it? Dentists have many methods they can use to repair broken teeth, which depend on the type of break and the severity of the damage. Let’s look at some of the most common tooth-repairing tricks they have up their sleeve.
Dental Bonding
If you have a small chip in your tooth, your dentist might recommend dental bonding. This procedure uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the crack or chip. Your dentist applies the resin, shapes it to match your tooth, and then uses a special light to harden it. The whole process is usually quick, painless, and completed in one visit.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite material that covers the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are a great option if the broken tooth is in the front of your mouth and you want a cosmetically perfect result.
Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, and a dental lab will create the veneer. At your next appointment, the veneer gets cemented onto your tooth, which gives it a natural and healthy appearance.
Crowns
A dental crown, or a “cap,” is a restoration that completely covers a damaged tooth. Dentists use crowns when a tooth is badly broken or has a large filling that’s failing. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. You might need a couple of visits to get a crown, but the result is a durable and long-lasting fix.
Root Canal Therapy
Sometimes, a break is so deep that it exposes the pulp inside your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Some signs someone might need a root canal over a quick and simple fix include severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold. During a root canal, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and then seals it. Afterward, they place a crown on the tooth to protect it.
When to Call Your Dentist
If you chip or break a tooth, don’t panic—dentists have many techniques for fixing broken teeth. Give them a call to set up an appointment, and they’ll be able to provide you with the best treatment and advice for your unique situation. Quick action can prevent further damage and get your smile back to normal in no time.
