Restoration of a broken tooth
Many people do not have their broken or cracked teeth treated because they are concerned about how the repaired tooth will look and feel. Still others are unaware of the consequences of not treating a broken tooth. Therefore we must clearly state, broken or cracked tooth can be restored to look like natural teeth. There are several possible treatments to achieve this goal. The better informed you are about them, the better the end result can be.
Not all tooth fractures are the same
In the case of a broken tooth, it should be checked first whether the nerve (dental pulp) is affected. If you experience increased sensitivity or pain as a result of the fracture, then the nerve is most likely exposed. The choice of treatment largely depends on how extensive the damage to the tooth is and whether the nerve is affected.
What are the types of dental fractures?
Small fractures
Minor fractures, such as small chippings at the tip of the tooth, are easy to repair. Usually in this case it applies cosmetic contouring. Adjacent teeth should also be contoured so that there is no tooth that sticks out in front of the others. Bonding is also a good alternative to "fill" the defects. In case of small fractures on the teeth, it is not necessary to place crowns. A possible solution in this case are ceramic veneers on the teeth.
Cracked tooth crowns
Crowns do not last forever and sometimes crack. Look out for gradually appearing dark contours along the gum line. Their presence is usually a signal of crown cracks or shrinkage of the crown tissue. If the cracks on the crown are not paid attention to, it can lead to its replacement. However, if you act quickly, initial minor fractures and cracks can be repaired with roughening or mild bonding with composite.
Major fractures (broken tooth)
Serious tooth fractures are usually caused by an accident. Therefore, here the treatment should be as least stressful as possible for the patient. The dentist can use composite or ceramic bonding for some of the damaged teeth and crowns for others, especially when time is needed to determine if the nerve can be saved.
In case of serious tooth fractures, dental care should be sought as soon as possible, even in the absence of pain. Often the only visible sign of nerve damage is tooth discoloration. In such cases, the damaged nerve is removed and the root canals are filled. If a large part of the tooth is missing, a crown is usually needed. If the tooth breaks at the base of the gum, surgery may be required to expose more of the tooth root. This, in turn, may help save the tooth and restore it with a dental crown.
Vertical root fracture
In the case of a vertical fracture of the root, it is very difficult to save the tooth and it is usually reached extraction (removing the tooth). Still, it's a good idea to discuss all possible options before pulling the tooth. The main goal is to preserve the integrity of the dental arch and preserve the natural teeth as much as possible. In case the extraction of the tooth is inevitable, it is good to do it as quickly as possible placed an implant in place of the missing tooth.
What is the best treatment for you if you have a broken tooth? We will help you find an answer to this question yourself.
The treatments are presented in detail using Cosmetic contouring, Bonding, Porcelain veneers and Crowns.
What is the best solution to the problem?
Cosmetic contouring
- Duration of the dental procedure – 15 – 60 minutes for work.
- Maintenance – Daily brushing and flossing.
- Results – Teeth may appear straight immediately after the procedure.
- Longevity - Indeterminate.
- Value - Determined after consultation.
- Advantages – No need for anesthesia, long lasting results, no maintenance required, most conservative approach, fastest option.
- Disadvantages – Too much reduction can damage the smile line. The bite limits how much can be taken from the teeth. In rare cases, sensitivity can be a problem for the procedure.
Bonding
- Duration of the dental procedure – 1 hour for work on a tooth.
- Maintenance – Professional cleaning 3-4 times a year. Avoiding biting down on solid foods and ice cream. Carefully floss. Visits to the dentist in case of damage to the coating. Once a year - fluoride treatment.
- Results – Most cracks or breaks can be easily repaired.
- Durability – 5 – 8 years, with professional maintenance once every few years
- Value - Determined after consultation.
- Advantages – No need for anesthesia. Immediate result. Small tooth reduction. Teeth can be lightened. A less expensive method than veneers and crowns.
- Disadvantages – Cracks or stains may appear on the finish. It has a limited shelf life. It may prove to be an ineffective method for some injuries.
Porcelain veneers
- Duration of the dental procedure - 2 visits to the dentist, 1 hour and more for work on a tooth
- Maintenance – Professional cleaning 2-4 times a year. Avoiding ultrasonic and abrasive cleaning. Caution when biting and chewing solid foods. Use the back teeth to avoid a twisting moment. Fluoride treatment once a year.
- Results – Polished, natural-looking teeth, and the effect of aligned and even teeth can be added, greater stain resistance than bonding.
- Durability – 5 – 12 years
- Value - Determined after consultation.
- Advantages – Less susceptible to wear and brittleness than bonding. Excellent bonding to enamel. Minimal coloring.
- Disadvantages – More expensive method than bonding. Difficult to restore if veneers crack or break. Possible
is the appearance of stains between the teeth, depending on how the veneers are placed. Irreversible if too much of the enamel is removed from the tooth. It usually does not require anesthesia.
Crowns
- Duration of the dental procedure - 2 visits to the dentist, 1 - 4 hours for work up to 4 teeth (more time for more teeth or more intensive intervention).
- Maintenance – Avoiding biting down on solid foods and ice cream. Fluoride treatment once a year. Daily brushing and flossing. Brush gently to avoid receding the gingiva and showing the crown margins.
- Results - The best aesthetic result in terms of tooth reshaping.
- Durability – 5 – 15 years (depends on breakages, fabric problems and destruction).
- Value - Determined after consultation.
- Advantages – Fractures can be fixed. Teeth can be whitened to the desired degree. Some adjustments to the arrangement of the teeth are possible.
- Disadvantages – Possible breakage. Requires anesthesia. The teeth can be lengthened (a substantial part of the tooth enamel is removed). Not a permanent solution. A more expensive method than bonding or cosmetic contouring.
