A broken tooth can be incredibly painful, and depending on which tooth broke, it can also completely impact your self-image. Unfortunately, because people eat hard things, breaking teeth is a common occurrence. Thankfully, broken teeth are generally easy to fix. Here are four basic procedures that patients are likely to see when going in for a broken or chipped tooth.
Dentists see patients with broken teeth all the time. If it happens, patients should see a dentist as soon as possible to keep the issue from getting worse. When a broken tooth is not taken care of quickly, it can easily become a significant health issue. Depending on how bad it is, the dentist will recommend getting the tooth fixed as soon as possible.
If a tooth is not salvageable, but the root is still in good condition, a crown may be the recommended course of action. Crowns are a simple fix for broken teeth. A good crown blends in with the rest of the teeth and is made of durable material, like ceramic, metal, or porcelain. Crowns are an effective way to fix a broken tooth. A crown starts with an X-ray, followed by removing some of the existing tooth, and finally, preparing the site for a crown. The entire process can take up to a few weeks to complete.
Veneers are typically more cosmetic as they are custom-made for every patient. Treatment is popular to restore a smile after a tooth breaks. Veneers are made of resin or porcelain. They are a good choice for various dental issues, including broken or cracked teeth. To prep teeth for veneers, the dentist will remove some of the enamel to keep teeth looking realistic after application. From start to finish, the process takes about two weeks.
A tooth-colored resin, known as a filling, is what dentists use to fill cavities or small cracks. Having fillings done is cost-efficient and effective in treating minor holes in teeth. When applied to the front teeth, it is called bonding. Hardening lights are used for a few minutes before the procedure is complete. Sealants are applied after fillings or on minor cracks to protect teeth and keep the bacteria away from teeth to prevent any existing issues from getting worse or developing new problems. None of these procedures take more than a few minutes at the dentist’s office.
In a more severe case, extraction is the only option left. A significant break in a tooth could result in a tooth splitting in half or shattering below the gumline. When that happens, patients should expect tooth extraction. It is possible that a badly cracked or broken tooth can also lead to a root canal to remove any infections that have a chance to develop.
It is essential to take care of teeth because once the damage happens, they will not heal. Once that chunk of tooth enamel and bone has come off, nothing else is to be done but treat it accordingly. Regular dental visits are a crucial part of prevention, and so is avoiding teeth-damaging foods or protecting teeth during an activity where teeth could be hurt. If you are facing a broken tooth, contact a dentist immediately to get it taken care of quickly.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ardendentalassoc.com or call Arden Dental Associates - Carlos Campodonico, DDS at (763) 237-3371 for an appointment in our Blaine office.
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