Causes

Over 90% of adults 20 or older have had at least one cavity. They weaken the enamel, and so do spicy and acidic foods.

Trauma such as sports injuries or falling on your face can cause a broken tooth. Biting down on hard foods causes a similar effect.

Bruxism is the medical name for grinding your teeth at night. This can weaken your teeth and cause them to break or chip.

What to Do Before Booking an Appointment

Broken or chipped tooth repair begins before you even see the dentist.

Start by rinsing out your mouth. Stop any bleeding with gauze and reduce swelling by putting an icepack on your cheek. If the tooth comes out, put it in a saline solution or a cup of milk or water. 

Broken Tooth Treatments

Look for emergency dental services as soon as you notice a broken or chipped tooth. They'll have the knowledge to help you choose the right treatment based on the level of damage. The most common options are bonding, fillings, crowns, veneers, root canals, implants, and bridges.

Bonding

Bonding is a common method for repairing teeth with small chips or breaks. A composite material covers the entire teeth and gets hardened by blue light.

Fillings

Small chips or breaks on the edges of your teeth can be repaired by smoothing the edges and covering them with a filling. This keeps it from cutting into your lips and tongue and restores your smile.

Fillings are a common solution for chipped molars or back teeth that aren't easy to see. They can be made from metal, porcelain, and other materials. This type of treatment can be provided for adults and children.

Crowns and Veneers

A crown may be the right solution if your broken tooth isn't infected or causing you pain. Tooth cement fills any cracks and a crown goes over the tooth. They require one visit to create a mold that fits your mouth and a second to place the crown.

Veneers are a similar solution that goes over front teeth. They restore their appearance and can last for 10 years or more.

Root Canals

There are over 41,000 root canals performed every day. They may be necessary if you have a severe fracture that exposes the root of your tooth. 

The procedure removes the infected pulp and places a crown over it to protect it. You may need to call a specialist known as an endodontist instead of a family dentist to perform it.

Implants and Bridges

Implants are a common method for replacing a broken tooth that has to be removed. They're placed in the remaining hole and covered with a crown to look like a natural tooth. 

Bridges are another popular tooth replacement option. They involve placing 2 abutment teeth that either anchor a false tooth or fill in a gap left over after an extraction.

Finding an Emergency Dentist

A broken tooth is a serious dental emergency that can leave you exposed to infection. Call your dentist immediately and work to reduce bleeding and swelling until you can get an appointment. Talk about the right treatment method to repair or replace the tooth.

Hagen Dental Practices is a Cincinnati dentist that offers general and emergency dentistry. Contact us for an appointment today.