Our teeth are designed to chew and crunch on some pretty tough things. But even though tooth
enamel is one of the strongest materials in the human body, teeth aren’t invincible and can break. In fact, broken teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies. Breaking a tooth can certainly be scary, but we can help you fix a broken tooth.Â
Broken Tooth Treatment
Broken tooth treatment will depend on how severe the break is and your individual situation. Here are a few different ways a dentist can fix a broken tooth.Â
Dental Bonding – Minor breaks can usually be treated with dental bonding. The process is simple, painless, and can restore a tooth in no time. Your dentist will apply a tooth-colored, resin to the crack and harden it with a special light. The resin fills the break with a strong restorative material that’s unnoticeable.Â
Dental Crowns – Breaks that are too large to be repaired with dental bonding may need a crown. Dental crowns, also known as caps, cover the entire tooth so no additional damage can occur and your tooth is protected. Dental crowns are often color-matched to your other teeth for a flawless smile.Â
Root Canal – Nobody wants to hear the term root canal. But this often misunderstood dental treatment can be a real life-saver — well, at least a real tooth-saver. If a break is so deep that it enters the inside of the tooth, it can reach the inner pulp and tooth nerves. This will most likely cause pain. But with a root canal, the affected parts of the tooth will be removed, relieving any pain and saving the natural tooth.Â
Tooth Extraction – Unfortunately, not every broken tooth can be saved. Severe breaks may require a tooth to be extracted. However, oftentimes the missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or dental bridge.Â
Signs of a Broken Tooth
Sometimes you’ll know you have a broken tooth immediately because you’ll hear it or feel it break.
Other times a break can occur without your knowledge but can present some symptoms. Some of
the most common signs of a broken tooth are:Â
Pain that seems to come and go
Pain with chewing or biting down
Swelling of the gums
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
If you notice any signs of a broken tooth, call Dyer Dental Care at (510)487-0311 to schedule an
appointment as soon as possible.Â