A broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons. The most important part is getting the care you deserve to restore your broken tooth as soon as possible. At Prairie Hawk Dental, we take pride in restoring teeth to their natural function and appearance. No matter the cause of your break, we are here to help you restore your smile. So, what do you do if you have a broken tooth in Castle Rock, CO?
How can a Tooth Break?
The two main reasons a tooth may break is that it is weakened by decay, making it more susceptible to breaking or trauma. In the case of decay, a tooth can gather bacteria and debris on the enamel surface and gum line over time. The bacteria creates an acid that eats through the tooth’s surface. Additionally, plaque and tartar can build up on the outside of the tooth. These substances are hard to remove and only hurt the tooth more. When you bite into something, even something soft, with a weakened tooth, you increase the risk of breaking a piece of the tooth off.
What are Restorative Options for a Broken Tooth?
Our dental office, Prairie Hawk Dental, has a restoration option for you if you have a broken tooth in the Castle Rock, Colorado area. Below are a few of the restorative dentistry options we offer for a broken tooth.
Dental Bonding
One restorative dentistry option is dental bonding, which uses composite resin. Composite resin is the same material used to fill in cavities for dental fillings. Dental bonding replaces the missing part of the tooth by forming a putty-like substance on the tooth. Then, your dentist shapes the tooth into a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing shape for you. This restorative option is usually for more minor dental breaks.
Dental Crowns
If the break is more significant, Dr. Goodman, Dr. Young, or Dr. English may recommend a dental crown. Your dentist will place a dental crown over the top of the tooth like a cap. Next, your dentist will wear down the first two layers of the tooth, the enamel and the dentin, to make room for the crown. Once removed, we can place the crown. Another option to replace one or more teeth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is like a dental crown, except it replaces a missing tooth by bridging adjacent teeth. Dental crowns and bridges use porcelain which is a durable and stain-resistant material. However, it is still essential to maintain good oral hygiene with dental crowns to keep the gum line clean and free of debris.
Dental Implants
For deep breaks that go into the tooth’s root, the dentists at Prairie Hawk Dental may recommend an extraction and a dental implant to replace it. In this procedure, the dentist removes the root of the tooth from the crown. Once removed, a titanium post is placed in the gums to act as a new dental root. After the post heals in place, your dentist places the abutment. The abutment connects the titanium post to the dental crown. At a later date, we will place the crown on top. Lastly, the dentist forms the crown to your comfort and liking. Dental implants are an excellent, state-of-the-art restoration tool for both single and multiple tooth restorations.
Repairing a broken tooth is a necessary dental procedure. Whether you have a broken tooth from trauma or dental decay, it is essential to fix it immediately. A few restoration options for a broken tooth include dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bonding. For more information about the dental restoration of a broken tooth, call our office today.
We look forward to hearing from you.
