What Are Your Options If You Crack Or Break A Tooth?

Tooth restoration treatments available at our Canterbury dental practice.

Even if we look after our teeth really well, regularly and correctly brushing and flossing, there can never be a guarantee that a tooth won’t break at some point in the future. Naturally, looking after them keeps the enamel stronger and therefore reduces the risk, but breakages can still happen. Even if we have managed to keep tooth decay at bay, accidents can cause breakages, or a tooth may have been weakened due to being progressively worn down. For example, a malocclusion (a bite where the teeth don’t meet as they should), may lead to damage and the tooth eventually breaking.

When a breakage happens, it can come as a bit of a shock, and the first thing that we might do is to panic, thinking we may have to lose the tooth, or at least have a smile that is now compromised. This doesn’t have to be the case though and in today’s blog, we will take a look at the options available to patients of Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic.

Leave the broken tooth

You ‘could’ leave the broken tooth as it is, and some patients do this if the break is ‘clean’ and not causing any issues such as sharp edges that cut the soft tissue of the mouth. We say ‘could’ as this is a really bad idea. A broken tooth is likely to be weakened and more likely to break even further. Also, the exposed inner part of the tooth means that decay is much more likely. Even if you think you might be tempted to do this, make sure to see your dentist first for professional advice.

Bonding or veneers

If the breakage is relatively minor and in the ‘right’ position, it might be possible to restore the tooth using dental bonding or veneers. These can restore the shape and functionality of a broken tooth but only in certain circumstances.

Have the tooth filled

Fillings for a broken tooth are quite common, especially if the breakage is not too significant. This can be a very effective way of restoring a tooth and helping to prevent further breakage and to protect the inner part of the tooth. We will use this technique selectively depending on the extent of the damage, position in the mouth and possible issues with visibility when you smile.

Have a crown fixed on the tooth

Where a breakage is significant, and/or where the tooth is more visible, such as a front tooth, a crown is likely to be used instead of a filling to restore it.  This is done by shaping the tooth so that a crown or cap can be attached securely. Impressions of the tooth are then sent to a laboratory for the crown to be made and then attached to the tooth, using a dental adhesive, on its return. This offers a strong and aesthetic solution to a broken tooth and is a widely used option.

Have the tooth extracted and replaced

Generally speaking, extracting a tooth should be the last option available and this is usually only recommended where the tooth is badly broken or has a poor prognosis. Any missing tooth should be replaced, as not doing so can cause other teeth to move and become crooked and can also lead to bone loss. Few people will avoid replacing a missing tooth, particularly if it is one near the front of the mouth that can be seen when they smile.

The main options here are to wear dentures or to have a dental implant placed. Especially at the front, dentures might be noticeable if they move around as can sometimes happen. Dental implants offer a more secure and natural looking alternative and we will discuss both options with our patients so they can make an informed choice.

A broken tooth is not something that should be ignored and you should seek attention as soon as possible. A delay in doing so could lead to further breakage of the tooth which would require more extensive treatment than if you had acted quickly.

If you break a tooth, or suffer from any sudden issue such as a toothache, please make sure that you contact us straight away. We will do what we can to make sure you are seen by a dentist as soon as possible and will provide you with any appropriate advice, such as pain management or compress advice, in the meantime.

For emergency and non emergency appointments at our Canterbury based practice, please call Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic on 01227 463529.