Broken Tooth: 3 Common Treatment Options
Did you have a recent fall? Maybe you were chewing on ice or even a hard candy? Or perhaps all you did was bite into your sandwich. Whatever the case, when you find yourself dealing with a broken or cracked tooth, it can be scary; but don’t panic! Thomas L. Anderson and Associates has an incredible dental team to handle your broken tooth repair in Kansas City!
At Thomas L. Anderson and Associates, we see people dealing with broken teeth almost daily. Our skilled dentists, along with our friendly staff, know how to efficiently treat a broken tooth at our three conveniently located offices in the Kansas City area.
We are able to use restorative and cosmetic procedures to repair a damaged tooth. Our caring dental team will access your situation to determine what course of action is best to help you. The right treatment for you will depend on how badly the tooth has been damaged. Paired with today’s advancements, our skilled dentists can ensure that you will not have to live with unattractive teeth.
Many people wonder how a tooth can crack.
The simple answer is: your enamel, although an extremely strong tissue, can become damaged or weakened, and this can cause a break or crack in your tooth.
What can cause damage to your enamel?
- Trauma, such as a fall.
- Repetitive chewing on hard substances, such as ice or a pencil.
- Food! What? Yes, according to the ADA, the top nine foods that damage your teeth are: hard candies, ice, citrus, coffee, dried fruit, potato chips, soda, alcohol, and sports drinks.
- Cavities and tooth decay
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Although, we have listed several ways your enamel can be damaged, there are many more out there. It is important maintain regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure that you and your dentist are managing your oral health.
Broken Tooth: 3 Common Treatment Options
If you find yourself needing your broken tooth repaired, here are three of the common procedures available to you:
Option 1:
Composite Bonding (Filling): Composite bonding is a way to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, discolored, misshapen, and gapped teeth. Composite bonding can last up to 10 years.
Our dentist will roughen your tooth and put on a conditioning liquid. A tooth colored composite material will be applied, molded, and smoothed. Then, an ultraviolet light is used to harden the composite. When the tooth bonding has dried, it will be shaped and polished to match the rest of the tooth.
Option 2:
Veneers: Veneers are covers for a tooth. At our office, we use porcelain veneers because they provide the most attractive and realistic results possible.
The veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, transforming the tooth’s appearance. You can have veneers placed on one tooth or a few. And it’s up to you how you want your veneer to look. This cosmetic treatment is truly a wonderful option for many people.
Related Article: 6 Reasons Why People Want Veneers
Option 3:
Crowns: If your tooth is chipped badly or you have pain when chewing or drinking, you may need a crown. Crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments. In some cases, a root canal may need to be done in combination with the crown.
A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth and improves appearance. A crown is placed in effort to keep you from loosing the tooth. If a tooth fractures or breaks too much it will become weak and cannot withstand the pressure of chewing. The crown covers and protects your remaining tooth structure.
If you have a broken or cracked tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away. Why? So, you can prevent further damage, and hopefully possible infection. At Thomas L. Anderson and Associates, we can handle your broken tooth. Contact us today to schedule at one of our three conveniently located offices in the Kansas City Metro Area.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with any of our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, and achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.