Broken A Tooth? 5 Methods of Tooth Repair to Know About

08 October 2018

Broken A Tooth? 5 Methods of Tooth Repair to Know About

Broken tooth repair is far more common in everyday life than people may think. Although human teeth are incredibly strong there are circumstances where teeth may crack, break, or fracture. This type of damage can cause a lot of pain and if left untreated, could result in infection. Therefore, it’s vital that you visit your dentist for emergency treatment as soon as possible. If you’ve ever wondered “How will my dentist in Poyton repair my damaged tooth” then you should find this guide to broken tooth repair treatments to be useful.

Treatments range from dental bonding to dental implants in Manchester; but first of all, let’s take a quick look at how teeth get damaged and the different types of problems that occur.

Why people get broken or cracked teeth?

Did you know that tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in your body? It’s true – yet it can still get broken or damaged in certain situations. In fact, broken tooth repair is one of our most regular dental procedures.

Teeth can get damaged in many different ways. Perhaps you were playing football and weren’t wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth, or maybe you crunched down on an ice cube when you came to the end of your drink. Cavities in your teeth or decay can also weaken them, making them more susceptible to cracking or chipping when you bite down on something hard. 

Types of cracked teeth

There are several types of cracks to teeth which include:

Craze lines – These are common in adults and only affect the outer surface of the enamel. Typically they’re shallow and painless and the only concern is the way they look.

Cracked tooth – This refers to a crack which extends vertically from the chewing surface of the tooth towards the root. The earlier it’s diagnosed the more chance there is of saving the tooth. If cracked teeth are ignored then they only get worse and can result in tooth loss and the need for dental implants in Manchester.

Fractured cusp – If a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off then it’s referred to by dentists as a fractured cusp. Usually, it won’t cause any pain but may feel rough against your tongue.

Vertical root fracture – As the name might suggest these cracks start in the root of the tooth and extend towards the chewing surface. Quite often the signs are minimal and often they’re only discovered when an infection occurs in the surrounding gum and bone.

Split tooth – This usually happens to a tooth that has been cracked for a long time. It’s easily identified by several distinct segments that can be separated within a crack.  Do remember that a split tooth in the vast majority of cases, can’t be saved intact.

So now you know the different types of tooth crack that exist, let’s take a look at how “my dentist in Poyton” can repair them.

5 Methods of Broken Tooth Repair

Patients often come to us fearing the worst when they have damaged a tooth or teeth but the good news is that we have 5 methods of tooth repair treatment we can use. These range from a ceramic filling to a dental implant. Okay, so technically speaking dental implants in Manchester aren’t really a tooth repair treatment; but should your tooth have to be extracted (which is only done when there is no other way of saving it), then your dentist may suggest replacing it with an implant which is the closest possible thing to a natural tooth.

Broken Tooth Treatments

1. Composite Bonding– Dental or composite bonding is an effective method of broken tooth repair for small areas that are chipped or cracked. It’s also used to correct misshapen and misaligned teeth and to close teeth that are gapped. Usually, no anaesthetic is required except for cases where the composite bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. The dentist will lightly roughen the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. The putty-like resin is then applied, moulded, and smoothed after which an ultraviolet light is used to harden it. Once the bonding has dried, the tooth is shaped and polished so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
2. Veneers – As opposed to dental implants in Manchester which are placed directly into the jaw bone, veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which cover the front surface of the tooth to conceal unsightly cracks and blemishes. A small part of tooth enamel is removed in order that the bonded veneer sits flush with the surrounding teeth. The results are extremely realistic and can totally transform the appearance of a damaged tooth. It’s possible for your dentist to apply just one veneer or several and for many people, they’re a wonderful cosmetic treatment, although they may not be suitable if you grind your teeth.
3. Dental crowns –If your tooth is chipped badly or you suffer pain when drinking or eating you may need a crown. As opposed to a veneer, a crown covers the whole of your tooth and serves to strengthen it while also saving it. Without a crown for protection, a badly damaged tooth wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure from chewing.
4. Root canal – A root canal is one type of broken tooth repair which instills dread in many people. In truth, the root canal procedure is not painful although you may experience slight discomfort. A root canal is typically needed if a crack in your tooth has extended into the pulp which is the inner core of the tooth where the nerve is located. The procedure involves removing all decayed or infected material, removal of the nerve, and flushing out the canal. It’s then filled and sealed to prevent any further infection. At some time later the teeth may also be covered with a crown for added protection.
5. Dental implant – If the crack in your tooth has extended below the gum line and into the bone then, unfortunately, it won’t be possible to save it. Instead, an extraction will be required and your dentist is likely to suggest it be replaced with an implant. Dental implants in Manchester act as replacement tooth roots and are placed into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone to become a permanent fixture. A single implant is topped with a dental crown whereas more than one implant may be used to support a dental bridge or even secure a denture.

If you suspect your tooth to be cracked or broken then it’s important to get treatment right away in order to avoid infection and further damage. At Cheadle Hulme Dental our patients are happy to consider us as their very own “my dentist in Poynton” dedicated to delivering a comprehensive range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry to keep their teeth looking good and healthy at all times. Why not call us today on 0161 486 0743 to arrange emergency broken tooth repair or to discuss dental implants in Manchester.