Broken Tooth Repair – What Causes Broken Teeth

21 June 2017

Broken Tooth Repair – What Causes Broken Teeth

There are many reasons that can leave patients with a broken tooth, from a blow to the face to eating something hard. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry, with cosmetic dentistry, Manchester patients have numerous options available to restore their smile.

It may be something as simple as repairing the tooth with a white filling or possibly through the use of a dental crown. However in some instances when you suffer a broken tooth, repair options are not always suitable. If this is the case and the tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry because there are still alternatives available.  Consisting of repairs such as bridges or dental implants, Manchester residents should never have to live with unsightly broken teeth.

So what causes it?

Although teeth are coated in a strong layer of enamel and are generally solid, there are a number of reasons that could cause them to chip, fracture or break. The most common causes we see include incorrect or aging fillings, a bad bite, clenching or grinding of the teeth and accidentally biting down too hard on a weak portion of the tooth or filling. Decay can be another reason because it causes a hole to form inside the tooth and as this gets larger, it gradually weakens the tooth and eventually causes it to break. Lastly, it could be a result of a fall, being hit in the face or a sports injury.

Minor tooth fractures often don’t cause any pain. The only discomfort you may notice is that your tongue is irritated by a sharp edge. That said, if the nerve inside the tooth is damaged when a part of the tooth breaks off, then can be very painful.

The god news is that for a broken tooth repair, we’re able to use a whole host of restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Manchester.  Often, deciding which treatment is best for you, depends on how badly the tooth is damaged. That said, we’ll always aim to provide you with the most natural looking and long lasting option possible. With this in mind, the four common ways we use here at Church Road Dental to restore your smile are

• Cosmetic Bonding
•  Veneers
•  Crowns
•  Dental implants.

So with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at each in turn.

Cosmetic bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a great way to repair broken or chipped teeth and can be completed in just one visit. The results can be expected to last up to 10 years. To carry out this simple procedure, the tooth is first cleaned and prepared using an acidic gel. This allows the material to better adhere to the surface. The shade is always matched up to the colour of your remaining natural tooth. Once the material is applied and set, it’s polished up and shaped to match the rest of the teeth. The finished result should look very natural and blend nicely with the shade of your other teeth.

Veneers

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Manchester residents may be familiar with veneers. They are one of our most popular treatments because they are a non-surgical solution to a wide range of dental problems, such as broken teeth. In effect. they’re ultra-thin, wafer-like layers of dental porcelain that are placed onto your existing teeth to restore the appearance and function of your smile. This procedure is usually done over two visits. A very small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth to create space for the new veneers and once the preparation is complete, we will fit you with a temporary veneer. At the final visit, we cement your veneers into place and polish them to give you the most natural and realistic result possible.

Crowns

If the tooth is badly broken, or you have pain when eating or drinking, it may be that the best option for a broken tooth repair would be a dental crown. Crowns are a very common restorative treatment while still providing a natural result. They’re made from a combination of ceramic materials and precious metals and cover your tooth to fully protect it. For this procedure, again two visits are required. First, we prepare the tooth where an impression is taken. This is then sent to the dental laboratory. In the meantime, we’ll match up your tooth shade and fit you with a temporary crown so you won’t be left with a broken tooth. At your second visit, your new crown will be strongly cemented into place.

Dental ImplantsIf the tooth has completely broken off or you have a crack that extends down below your gum line, then it may not be possible to save the tooth. With a dental implant, Manchester patients can replace the natural tooth again. They act as the tooth’s prosthetic root, through a small surgical procedure that places a titanium post firmly into your jawbone. Once the bone has fused around the screw, 12-16 weeks later we take an impression of your teeth and the permanent dental crown will be created. This will then be fixed securely onto the top of your implant.

So there you have it, 4 ways to fix a broken or damaged tooth….

If you suspect a broken or cracked tooth, it’s important to see a dentist quickly so to avoid further damage or possible infection. With cosmetic dentistry, Manchester residents should never have to suffer from unattractive, broken, chipped or even missing teeth. If you would like to discuss a broken tooth repair procedure with us or find out more information on dental implants, Manchester based dental practice Cheadle Hulme is here to answer all your questions. Contact us through our website www.cheadlehulmedental.com or give us a call on 0161 486 0743. We look forward to restoring your smile.