A broken tooth is quite frustrating, especially if it involves one of the front teeth. If you are dealing with this problem, you might feel embarrassed. Although the situation may be overwhelming at the time, you can relax knowing a dentist can help. Sometimes, the fix is minor. Other times, you might need to have a crown put on to restore a broken tooth.
A broken tooth can consist of many different things. This might entail a significant portion of the tooth completely breaking off. It could also be a crack. Then, there is a condition called cracked tooth syndrome. In this case, a tooth breaks but without the person having a cavity or advanced gum disease.
A tooth breaks for many reasons. One of the most common causes is biting down on something hard. However, getting hit in the mouth while playing sports, grinding the teeth while sleeping, and trauma caused by a car accident or fall are additional possibilities. Weakened teeth put a person at a greater risk of breaking a tooth.
Weakened teeth are more prone to breaking. Things like grinding and decay can compromise the enamel, which can lead to a broken tooth. Other risk factors include consuming a significant amount of acidic foods and beverages, alcohol and drug abuse, and even acid reflux. Excessive sugar is also bad because it produces bacteria inside the mouth that can eat the enamel.
For someone who has a piece of the tooth breaking off, there are some specific steps to follow. If the break is severe and causes a lot of pain, the individual should contact the dentist right away. If the incident happens after normal business hours, during the weekend, or on a holiday, they can turn to an emergency dental clinic. Otherwise, this process will help:
After arriving at the dental clinic, the dentist will determine the extent of the damage. Based on the findings, they will recommend the appropriate treatment. If the patient saved the piece that broke off, there is a chance of bonding it back on. If the broken tooth consists of a minor piece of enamel coming off, the dentist could use either bonding or add a new filling.
For a more serious broken tooth, the dentist might suggest placing a crown over it to protect the remaining piece. However, if there is root exposure, the dentist would perform a root canal. This entails removing the pulp inside the tooth along with any debris. When completed, a crown goes on top of the tooth.
After repairing the broken tooth, the patient will need to consider extra care. Most dental repairs like this need local anesthesia. This will numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. The effects of the anesthesia will last for hours. Numbness will last for hours after the repair.
The patient must resist trying to open and close the mouth. This will prevent injuries to the inner lining of the cheek. It is important to keep the cheeks healthy because these soft tissues protect the repaired tooth. The patient must eat after the anesthesia fades. This will prevent burns, choking, and self-biting.
When it comes to choosing foods and beverages, the patient must be extra careful in making the right choices. Sticky, cold, and spicy foods are off the list. Alcoholic and fizzy drinks are not welcome either. The patient can have a soft diet. Milkshakes, soup, and yogurt are examples of food in this diet. Below are more pointers to consider:
The success in fixing a broken tooth depends largely on how quickly you can see a dentist. Even if the break is minor, the sooner you get treatment, the better. By waiting, you put your tooth and health at risk. For instance, debris could cause an infection, which could spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. As soon as you break a tooth, contact your dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
You have probably dealt with a toothache more than once in your lifetime. Sometimes, the pain goes away on its own. When that happens, you likely bit down on something too hard or ground your teeth. However, it is more common than not that a toothache indicates that something is wrong. So, even if the…
If you have a chipped tooth, the situation may be more serious than dealing with a cosmetic problem. Indeed, having this kind of tooth damage can be embarrassing and make you want to avoid being around other people. However, the implications can run deeper than what people can see in your smile. Untreated, a chip…
Toothaches can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition. If you have severe pain from a toothache, an emergency dentist may be able to provide treatment to ease your symptoms and heal the underlying condition. While you normally have to wait several days for a regular dental appointment, emergency dentists make it a priority…
Pain or discomfort in your mouth might call for an emergency dentist. Emergency dentists often treat cracked or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and severe mouth pain. Some swollen jaws are considered dental emergencies as well. Read on to learn what constitutes a swollen jaw emergency and how emergency dentists can help.If the swelling in your…
Clear aligners can treat a wide range of dental and orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth. They are worn over the teeth to straighten them. The cause of overcrowding can be due to several factors, including an underdeveloped jawbone, different sized teeth, or irregular eruption of permanent teeth. Crowded teeth can cause many problems and may…
Patients who feel self-conscious about their smiles might want to consider getting clear aligners. The dentist can help a patient decide if they are a candidate for the treatment plan. After having the aligners for a few months, patients can once more enjoy having straight teeth. Keep reading to learn more about who the right…