Cracked teeth are the third leading cause of tooth loss. Even a small crack or break can turn into a serious problem if you don’t take care of it. What started as a cosmetic problem can turn into a health problem.
You probably want to know how broken teeth are fixed. We’re here to discuss a few common tooth repair methods that dentists use depending on the severity of the break. Read on to learn more.
First: Can a Dentist Reattach a Broken Tooth?
If you break your tooth and you’re able to find the broken-off tooth, you may be able to get a quick and easy tooth repair (though this is uncommon).
In some cases, a dentist will be able to reattach a broken tooth. They can use a splint to secure the tooth back in place. Ask your dentist if this is the best option for you, however, because there are other more effective smile repair methods.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are popular for fixing and protecting broken teeth. Essentially, the dentist puts a cap over your broken or otherwise damaged tooth. This is common for people with dental implants, deep cavities that are too intense for fillings, a cracked tooth, or a broken tooth.
Dental crowns look and feel like normal teeth. The dentist will take a mold of your tooth and place a temporary crown in the meantime. When the crown is ready, they’ll secure it to your real tooth and you’ll be ready to go!
Click for a quick guide to dental crowns if you’re interested in this treatment option!
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a good solution for anyone who only has minor cracks or breaks in their teeth. It’s one of the simplest restorative dental procedures, and you can do it in a single trip to the dentist.
The dentist will “rough up” your tooth so that it’s “stickier.” Then, they’ll apply tooth-colored composite putty to the tooth and mold it into the proper shape. They’ll harden the composite with a special light.
When the composite is hard, the dentist will smooth and polish your tooth so it looks just like the rest of them. No one will notice the difference.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers aren’t the most popular option for broken teeth, but they’re viable if you only have a small cosmetic break or crack.
When you get veneers, the dentist will place a “shield” over the front of your teeth to hide the damage. That shield becomes the visible side of your tooth.
You can also use veneers to hide stains or fix other cosmetic issues, such as teeth that look too small.
That’s How Broken Teeth Are Fixed
When it comes to how broken teeth are fixed, there are a variety of options. If you have a broken tooth, talk to your dentist about what would be right for you. They’ll restore your smile in no time.
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