1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202 From a fall to a sports injury, car crash or simply chewing ice, dental accidents can occur at any time. For most individuals, discovering that a tooth is chipped or broken leads to panic. Fortunately, advancements in general dentistry have awarded dentists a variety of methods to repair and save chipped or broken teeth. To ensure that the most appropriate repair treatment is provided, dentists classify chipped teeth according to the following:
- Crazed lines (shallow, tiny cracks)
- Fractured cusp (a break in the tooth’s chewing surface)
- Cracked tooth (a crack extending from the chewing surface to the root)
- Split tooth (the result of a long-term cracked tooth which has distinct sections)
- Vertical root fracture (a crack extending from the root to the chewing surface)
When teeth are cracked or chipped, dental composite bonding is a tried and true way to repair and restore teeth. In short, dental putty is applied to a prepared tooth and is dried and shaped to match the rest of the tooth. In another case, a veneer is bonded to the entire front surface of a tooth. For cracks along the biting surfaces of teeth, a crown represents a common restorative measure and involves placing a “cap” over the entire chewing surface. When damage extends to the pulp or root of a tooth, the best repair is often root canal therapy. This involves removing the tooth’s nerve, filling it with soothing materials and placing a crown on top. When a tooth cannot be preserved, or when the crack or chip reaches below the gum line, a dental implant is a viable option that replaces the entire tooth.
If you believe that your tooth is chipped or broken, Dr. Mitzi Morris and her team encourage you to call right away. While you may not need to be seen immediately, failing to contact us may result in pain or costly repairs in the future.
Repairs to Cracked or Broken Teeth
When your tooth has become cracked or broken, it’s our goal to prevent further damage to the tooth as well as the threat of infection. That’s why Dr. Mitzi Morris encourages patients to call right away when they discover that their tooth is damaged.
Depending on the severity and location of the cracked or broken tooth, treatment may involve a dental filling or bonding procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is used to fill in or cover the damaged portion of the tooth. In cases where a large portion of a tooth breaks off, the remaining portion of the tooth may be filed so that a tooth-shaped crown can be applied. Crowns are designed using a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, resin or ceramic. Again, the severity of the damage to the tooth is considered in choosing the most appropriate material for each patient, while still considering aesthetic preferences and budget. Dental veneers and root canal therapy are other options for repairing cracked or broken teeth.
With great attention to detail as well as the form and function of your smile, Dr. Mitzi Morris provides compassionate, gentle dentistry throughout Roswell and the surrounding communities. When your tooth becomes cracked or broken, it’s important to contact Dr. Morris and the team right away. While your injury may not warrant emergency care, we can provide insight into what to do next, so that your oral health is not compromised.