Evaluation & Treatment Of Broken Teeth

How is a Broken Tooth Treated?

How a patient’s broken tooth is treated will depend on how badly the break is and the overall health of the person’s mouth including teeth and gum tissue. When the affected tooth is healthy or the break is not serious, the tooth can be repaired using a crown. A crown is a hard shell which is placed around the entire tooth to give it strength and protect it. The broken area will be cleaned of any debris or decay to ensure the tooth’s structure is healthy and stable. Then, the crown will be placed over the tooth. If the break is below or at the gum line or if the tooth was infected or otherwise unhealthy the tooth might need to be removed. When it is removed it will be replaced with a partial denture, bridge, or dental implant. Occasionally, a root canal followed with a crown can repair the tooth.

Does a Chipped Tooth Need Treatment?

Even if a chip seems small or minor, it can weaken the tooth’s structure and leave it vulnerable to decay and further damage. Chipped teeth can also interfere with the balance of a person’s jaw and bite which can cause uneven wearing on surrounding teeth and possibly headaches or jaw pain. A chipped tooth can also look very different from the surrounding teeth and cause a person to feel uncomfortable with his or her smile.

What Can I Do to Prevent Tooth Breakage?

Healthy teeth are far less likely to break. It is important to remember to brush and floss regularly and go to the dentist every six months. Decay weakens teeth and can cause them to break more easily. By preventing this decay your chances for breaking a tooth will be significantly reduced. It is also key to wear a protective mouth guard if you will be involved in activities where you might receive trauma to your mouth and teeth.