Your tooth is one of the most important components of your smile. Not only does it add beauty to your appearance, but it also helps you eat and speak properly. When a tooth is damaged or broken, it can affect these functions and cause pain. You should always see a dentist for serious dental problems. With a little effort, your smile will be back to looking its best in no time.
What will a dentist do?
Dental crown
A dental crown is a great way to restore a broken tooth back to full functionality. A dentist can safely remove the damaged part of the tooth, thoroughly clean it and then place a new crown on top to fulfil the original structure of the tooth. Dental crowns provide superior protection for a damaged or decayed tooth, helping prevent further damage and restore the patient’s confidence in their smile. They are typically secure enough that they do not need any maintenance or further attention from your dentist after installation, though regular visits are still recommended to ensure your oral health remains in excellent condition.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are an excellent customised solution for those with a broken or chipped tooth. Not only can they restore the appearance of the broken tooth, but veneers also provide a layer of additional protection and reinforcement when placed over damaged teeth. The thin porcelain shells used in creating veneers match the colour and shape of neighbouring natural teeth perfectly, allowing them to blend in seamlessly. Furthermore, the process of affixing veneers is typically routine yet delicate, making it possible to repair a broken tooth in just one or two dental visits without any discomfort or change to your everyday routine.
Dental implant
Dental implantDental implants offer a wide range of advantages for those dealing with broken teeth. Benefits include increased comfort, improved aesthetics, and better oral hygiene. By replacing the root of the damaged tooth, dental implants provide stability and support to help maintain natural teeth for as long as possible. Additionally, implants can help preserve facial structure by preventing bone loss due to missing teeth or weakened areas around personal existing teeth. Furthermore, after placement of the implant, it is easy to clean, just like a regular tooth and requires no special care beyond daily brushing and flossing. Talk to your dentist about how you can benefit from having a dental implant for your broken tooth.
Dental bonding
Fixing a broken tooth is no easy feat, but with proper bonding and the finest quality materials, it is possible to repair the tooth back to its normal state. Using a composite resin material, dentists can rebuild and restore the shape of the tooth and even enable filling in gaps or sharp edges. In some cases, bonding may only be able to eliminate surface-level damage instead of restoring the function of the tooth. It is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible, so they can assess whether this type of treatment is suitable given the overall condition of your tooth or if more invasive options, such as crowns or veneers, must be applied.
Root canal treatment
Going through a root canal treatment can be quite intimidating, especially when the tooth is already broken. However, it is necessary to have such a procedure done as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious health issues in the future. A root canal is typically performed by an Endodontist and eases the pain associated with a damaged or infected nerve inside of your tooth. Furthermore, taking proper care of your teeth afterwards is essential for avoiding recurrent infections and promoting long-term oral hygiene. With prompt care from an experienced professional, root canal treatments can be successful in alleviating pain and restoring functionality to damaged teeth.
Dental filling
Dental fillingFilling a broken tooth is an important part of maintaining oral health. The process is generally done by applying a composite filling material that helps the tooth to regain its shape and function. The procedure can be done in one visit and involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth, cleaning and shaping it, filling it with the composite material, and polishing and sealing it for protection.
With proper care, dental fillings can last for several years before needing to be replaced or patched up for more reinforcement.
Dental sealants
They are a great way to protect a broken tooth and help it to heal correctly. By using a dental sealant, you can ensure that the broken tooth is sealed off from bacteria, food particles, and saliva, which can potentially interfere with the healing process. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities, as well as other oral problems such as gingivitis. In addition to these benefits, dental sealants may also make it easier for your dentist to repair the broken tooth in the future if needed. If you have a broken tooth, it is important to take action quickly and talk to your dentist about using a dental sealant to protect the tooth before any further damage occurs.
Home remedies for a broken tooth
Wondering how to deal with a broken tooth till your dentist’s appointment? Don’t worry. There are some home remedies that may be useful to manage the broken tooth and the pain associated with it until you access your dentist.
Rinse your mouth with warm water
There are many approaches to cleaning the area around a broken tooth. One approach that is often suggested is rinsing your mouth with warm water. This activity serves two purposes – both cleansing and numbing. The warm water can help clean off any external debris and slow or reduce bleeding while also providing temporary relief from any pain or discomfort due to the damage.
Apply a cold compress
Apply a cold compressIf you experience soreness due to a toothache, treating the area with a cold compress can help ease any discomfort.
To apply a cold compress, gather some ice cubes and place them in a clean cloth, then press it against your cheek where the pain is concentrated. It is important to leave the compress on for 15 minutes at a time and repeat as needed every few hours until your pain subsides.
Use dental floss or an interdental brush to remove any food
Properly cleaning and caring for a chipped or broken tooth is essential to keeping it healthy and preventing further damage. Daily dental hygiene practices, such as brushing carefully with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, are important for maintaining overall oral health. If you have a broken tooth, you should use dental floss or an interdental brush to remove any food that may be stuck in between the damaged areas.
Cover the broken tooth with a piece of sugarless gum or dental cement
If you encounter a cracked or broken tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Covering the broken tooth with something like sugarless gum or dental cement can provide temporary relief from pain and sensitivity until you are able to visit your dentist. You can also try the gum for chipped teeth. Such coverings will stop sharp pieces from irritating your tongue and may even help preserve the tooth for potential repair or replacement, depending on the degree of damage.
Determining the best option for broken tooth repair can be daunting, yet your dentist is equipped to help you make a decision based on the severity of your damage and desired outcome. Why wait? There are a variety of treatments available that will restore your smile – don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about which solution would work most effectively in this situation. Call our emergency dentists in Sydney today to get professional advice.
References
Veneers | HealthDirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers
Sealants and Dental Health | WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-sealants
