Broken teeth are a common dental injury that can occur from trauma such as an accident, biting into a hard object, or even as the result of decay that has weakened the tooth.
Regardless of the cause, a broken tooth not only affects the aesthetics of your smile but can also lead to discomfort, such as sensitivity and compromised oral health, as a fractured tooth is more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
If you have a broken tooth, it’s essential to seek prompt dental care to assess the extent of the damage and explore restorative options. Here are your options for restoring a broken tooth and protecting your smile!
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple and effective restorative option for chipped or fractured teeth. Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin, similar to the material used in tooth-colored fillings, to the affected area.
After applying the bonding material, your dentist will sculpt and polish it to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth. Dental bonding can be used to build up broken teeth and restore their appearance and can even be used for teeth with more severe damage in certain cases [1].
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers, thin porcelain shells that cover your natural teeth, can also be used to restore the health and appearance of broken teeth. A veneer can be applied to a single tooth, or several veneers can be applied to treat multiple broken teeth.
Porcelain veneers are a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for damaged teeth, such as teeth that have been broken from teeth grinding or an accident. Veneers can help strengthen the broken natural tooth while correcting your appearance with a single treatment [2].
Dental Crown for Structural Support
A dental crown may be the ideal restorative option if your broken tooth has more significant damage, such as a large fracture or extensive decay. A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that completely encases the damaged tooth, providing structural support and protection.
A dental crown may be the best option if a broken tooth is in the rear of the mouth and has significant damage, such as if the tooth was broken down to the pulp or fractured in multiple places. Dental crowns can also treat broken teeth that have been previously treated, such as with a filling [3].
Dental Implants for Severe Damage
In cases where a tooth is severely broken or cannot be salvaged, dental implants offer a comprehensive restorative solution.
A dental implant involves the surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, serving as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a dental crown is placed on the end, providing a permanent and stable restoration.
Dental crowns are an option for teeth with vertical fractures extending into the root of the tooth or those that have received multiple treatments and cannot be repaired [4].
Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can cause complications such as tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and even a tooth infection, so seeking timely treatment is crucial. The sooner you seek professional care, the more options you have to restore your tooth. Talk to your dentist about your restorative options for a broken tooth and protect your beautiful smile!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6006887/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1396359/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5086281/
4. https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/ecfesum08.pdf
