Repairing Broken Teeth: Techniques for Repairing Fractured Teeth
Repairing Broken Teeth: Techniques for Repairing Fractured Teeth
Anyone can get a chipped or broken tooth at any age. Any minor fracture can expose the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, causing pain and making them more prone to further damage. Additionally, damaged teeth can also affect self-esteem and confidence as we interact with others.
Repairing these damages as early as possible can help prevent further issues. If you leave any crack untreated, it can lead to infection and even result in tooth loss.
Thankfully, the evolution of dental technology has allowed minimally invasive repairs in many cases. There are a number of ways by which dentists can repair the teeth based on the severity of the damage. Early detection can help you save your smiles for years to come.
Why do people get cracked or broken teeth?
The enamel on your teeth is the strongest tissue in your body but is still prone to fracture and cracks. There are many ways in which your teeth can get damaged. It could be because you are doing something that you should not be doing, such as playing football without a mouthguard or chewing a pencil. Or you may experience a sudden crash, blow, or traumatic fall.
Another reason that could weaken your teeth is cavities or decay, which may break them while chewing hard food.
Different types of cracked teeth
One of the key questions regarding tooth cracks is when to intervene. It is where the identification and classification of cracks will help you in treatment planning and its outcome. You can save many cracks, but the key is to identify and understand the symptoms and early detection.
According to The American Association of Endodontists, there are five types of tooth cracks:
1. Craze lines 2. Fractured cusp 3. Cracked tooth 4. Split root 5. Vertical root fracture
Craze lines: Craze lines are caused by microfractures in the enamel. Doctors may call it enamel infractions. These fractures usually do not penetrate into dentin layers. Tooth trauma can be one of the reasons for blunt force and can lead to craze lines. Often, craze lines do not develop any symptoms and are not concerning.
Fractured cusp: A tooth can suffer a fractured cusp when a part of its chewing surface breaks. This usually happens to teeth that have large dental fillings. The break might reach the gumline or go even deeper, but it rarely harms the tooth’s pulp, where the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue are located. You might not experience any pain, but you could notice sensitivity to temperatures. Fixing a fractured cusp usually only requires a new filling or a crown, but a root canal might be necessary if the pulp is exposed. Nonetheless, the tooth can be preserved in most cases.
Cracked tooth: A tooth can sometimes crack vertically from the top to the bottom below the gum line. This kind of crack is not complete, so the tooth does not break into two and can usually be saved. These types of cracks often cause damage to the pulp and necessitate root canal therapy. When you have a cracked tooth, there are many things to think about, like where the crack is and how big it is. It can be hard to figure out the right treatment, and it’s also hard to know if the treatment will work long-term. Sometimes, a tooth has to be removed. Cracked teeth hurt more and need help early on to keep the tooth from falling out.
Split teeth: A split tooth occurs when a crack goes all the way from the surface to the root, causing the tooth to split in half. Usually, this type of crack is too severe to save the tooth, and extraction is necessary. However, in some cases involving molar teeth that have multiple roots, you can save a portion of the tooth by extracting the damaged side and performing a root canal and crown on the remaining section.
Vertical root fractures: Vertical root fractures occur when a fracture starts from the root and travels upward to the chewing surface. This type of fracture usually remains undetected for a longer period as there are no symptoms or they are very minimal.
How to repair the cracked or broken tooth?
There are many ways to repair and fix broken teeth problems. Here are the most common treatments used by dentists.
Dental Bonding: Composite bonding is a reliable way to repair cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth. These bonding can last up to 10 years, and you don’t need any kind of anesthesia unless it is for cavities.
A dentist will roughen the tooth and apply conditioning liquid and putty, then use ultraviolet light to harden the composite material. Once the bonding gets dry, the dentist will shape it to match the rest of the teeth.
Dental Veneers: A tooth cover is called a dental veneer. Most commonly, doctors use porcelain veneers to provide attractive and realistic results. Your dental doctor can place veneers on one or more teeth based on the requirements. The best part is that with proper care, it can last up to 30 years without the need for any replacements. It can be a wonderful treatment for many people but is not recommended if you grind your teeth.
Dental Crowns: If you have a tooth that is broken or hurts, you chew or drink, you may require a crown. Crowns are an everyday dental practice that can restore your tooth’s structure. A tooth crown covers the tooth and protects it, improving its appearance. It is a strong shield for your tooth and helps prevent tooth loss. Your damaged teeth would not be able to withstand the pressure of chewing without the crown.
Root Canal: If your crack has extended to the pulp, then a doctor might recommend a root canal. After the root canal, a crown is placed to protect the teeth from cracking.
The doctor will clean all decayed areas during the root canal treatment and remove the nerve. This procedure may be painful, but you will not experience pain after minor discomforts of the treatment. Leaving any kind of sensitivity and toothache can spread and lead to serious problems.
Dental Implant: Any kind of crack that extends to the gum line cannot be treated, and you cannot save the tooth. It is where you need a tooth extraction, and your teeth must be pulled. And to replace your natural teeth, you may need a dental implant.
A dental implant takes place in your missing teeth and acts as a new root in your jawbone for lasting results.
Why should a broken or cracked tooth be examined immediately?
If you have broken or cracked teeth, then you need to see a dentist as quickly as possible. It is because it will help you avoid further damage and possible infections and also save your teeth.
You can contact Versailles Dental Clinic in Dubai for advanced cosmetics and dentistry solutions. Schedule an appointment and get a smile of your dreams.
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Disclaimer : The content of this article is not a substitute for professional dental advice.
