As Johnny Colt found out when he was visiting Boise recently, a broken tooth is a serious matter. We were happy to help him out and you can check out the full video detailing his saga here.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't panic! With all the advancement in technology and dental practices, you do not have to worry as your tooth and smile can easily be repaired. There are various restorative and cosmetic procedures available to repair broken and cracked teeth, depending on how badly your tooth or teeth are damaged.
Here are 5 common procedures that can help repair your broken or cracked tooth:
1. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure done to repair cracked, chipped, discolored, decayed or gapped teeth. During the procedure, anesthesia is not necessary unless the bonding is being used to repair cavities. The dentist roughens your tooth and then puts a conditioning liquid on it. He then applies putty on it before molding and smoothening it. An ultra-violet light is then used to harden the composite and when the tooth bonding dries, it is shaped and polished to match the rest of the tooth. This composite bonding can last for up to 10 years.
2. Crowns
Crowns are some of the most common restorative treatments available. If your tooth is badly chipped and you are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, then you may need a crown. A crown acts as a cap that covers and protects your tooth, while at the same time improving its appearance. Without a crown, a cracked or broken tooth won’t stand the pressure of chewing. During installation, you are given an anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable. The tooth is then prepared and the dentist takes impressions used to make the permanent crown. When ready, the permanent crown is then cemented to the remaining tooth structure.
3. Veneers
Veneers are great tooth covers. Porcelain veneers are among the best type to use because they offer the most attractive and naturalistic results possible. A veneer is bonded to the front of a tooth and you can have several veneers placed on one tooth or several of them. This cosmetic treatment is an awesome option for many people as you can actually choose how you want your veneer to look. And with proper care, the veneers can last up to 30 years so you don’t have to worry about replacing them regularly. They are installed by first preparing a tooth for the veneer. Some part of the tooth structure needs to be removed so that the tooth doesn’t look bulky. Impressions are then taken and here you can choose the size, shape and shade of veneer you want. The veneers are then created in a lab and bonded to the tooth.
4. Root canal
Root canalling involves clearing out decayed tooth matter and removing the nerves. A tooth with a crack that has extended into the pulp can be treated with this method. Also if you have some sensitivity, swelling or toothache, you may need a root canal. If left untreated, such infection can spread leading to bone loss, abscess and other serious problems. The process works by first determining if the tooth is infected. If it is, an anesthesia is administered and then drilling into the tooth is done to remove the tooth’s pulp and nerve. The tooth is then sealed to prevent further infection and a crown can also be added to enhance the tooth’s strength.
5. Dental implants
If your tooth has a crack that extends deep below the gum line, the tooth is no longer treatable and will need to be extracted. A dental implant is then used to replace it. Dental implants are securely placed into your jawbone for a lasting fit. Biocompatible titanium screws are drilled into the jawbone to act as root for the new tooth. Some time is allowed for the crews to fuse with the bone and form a lasting foundation. Impressions for your tooth are then taken and a tooth made to be fit on the screws.
Schedule a consultation today so we can help you find the best course of action to repair your smile!