Ways to Repair or Fix a Broken Tooth or Cracked Tooth

The human body has an amazing capacity to repair itself, but it cannot fix everything. While a pulled muscle or slice in the skin will heal with time, a broken tooth won’t get better on its own. In fact, it’s liable to get worse if left alone. A fractured, chipped, cracked or broken tooth is a dental emergency. It’s vital that you contact a dentist and explore the options for healing your smile as soon as possible. Here are a few ways to fix a broken tooth.

A Dental Dilemma
The enamel that forms the tough outer layer of your teeth is the hardest and most mineralized substance in the body, but it isn’t indestructible. A blow to the tooth or even just biting down on something hard can cause significant harm. The nature of the damage can vary widely, and so can the consequences. In some cases, a minor chip or crack is visible, but it doesn’t cause any pain or sensitivity to pressure or temperature. Alternately, the crack may be too small to notice but cause constant or intermittent discomfort. Whether they hurt or not, even small chips, cracks and breaks merit a visit to your dentist. If a chipped tooth is left unattended, the issue can get worse, creating bigger problems that are both more painful and more expensive to repair.

Repairing a Broken Tooth
Enamel doesn’t regenerate, so the damage to a tooth will remain or worsen until it is addressed. Repairing a broken tooth depends on the location of the tooth and the severity of the damage. What if you have a chipped front tooth that is stable but unattractive?

• Dental bonding can offer an affordable way to fill in the missing material and restore your smile. Teeth bonding is a quick fix, so your smile will be back to normal immediately.
• Dental veneers are another effective option to fix a chipped tooth. Veneers can correct a variety of imperfections, so they’re a fantastic way to perfect your smile, and they require no special care.

What if the damage is extensive? A crack or break can actually compromise the health of the tooth. When the injury is severe or in a vulnerable location, your dentist may suggest placing a crown to save the tooth. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth.  A dental crown looks and functions like a healthy tooth once a permanent crown has adhered.  Porcelain crowns are a popular choice, but having one placed can require multiple appointments. For a faster fix, ask about CEREC crowns. They can be made and placed in a single visit.

When a Tooth Cannot Be Repaired
Sometimes, the damage to a cracked tooth is too severe. Such as if the tooth cannot be saved at all. When a tooth cannot be repaired, you still have options for restoring your smile. Dental implants and dental bridges can restore function and close the gap left when a tooth is lost.

If you have a broken or cracked tooth, don’t wait. Contact Wekiva Dental today. Your dental health is our priority. Offering both general and cosmetic dentistry services, we’re happy to work with you find solutions to your dental dilemmas. Call us today at 407-869-7333 for a free consultation for a broken tooth or any of our other dental services.