Do you have a broken tooth? It can impact your oral health in various ways, causing varying pain levels and consequences.
Cracks and fractures are the third leading cause of tooth loss. In 2015, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) declared the broken teeth epidemic. A fractured tooth might be unpleasant, but it shouldn’t give you too much concern if you get treatment as quickly as possible.
Often, patients are unaware that they have broken or cracked teeth and will only seek treatment when they experience discomfort. This is why frequent checkups, usually twice a year, are recommended.
We offer the highest-quality treatment for a broken tooth in Plainfield. Call today for an appointment at Durham Dental Center.
What to Do if You Have a Broken Tooth
Locate and keep all of your broken tooth pieces. Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any smaller bits. If you’re bleeding, cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze until it stops.
You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to alleviate any pain until you’re able to get the professional treatment you need. Don’t panic, and know that a broken tooth is nothing to get too upset about.
Treat a Broken Tooth as Soon as Possible
It’s better to be safe than sorry. You should never ignore a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. Let the experts at Durham Dental Center assess the damage as soon as it happens.
A crack has the potential to become a break. A break can become a more significant break, a missing tooth, and the source of a lot more pain. A broken tooth can make you more sensitive if you don’t get the help you need. Other issues may worsen over time.
Bacteria and plaque can enter your teeth and gums through a damaged tooth, resulting in a painful abscess, infection, and tooth decay. A fractured tooth can also weaken tooth structure. Over time, the tooth may break even more.
We can treat a broken tooth in a variety of methods, including:
- Repair. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may be able to repair it. A tooth-colored composite resin, for example, can be used to reconstruct chipped teeth.
- Bridges. One or more prosthetic teeth make up a bridge. It is used to bridge the gap created by a missing tooth or tooth extraction.
- Implants. After extraction, we use implants as a foundation for a new dental crown or veneer.
- Crowns. A crown shelters a damaged tooth to restore its beauty and strength.
- Root Canal. A break can compromise a tooth’s interior. A root canal cleans, restores, and strengthens the tooth inside. It protects the tooth from decay and makes it less prone to break again.
4 Great Ways to Prevent a Broken Tooth
Teeth are strong and can last a lifetime, but they can break if they aren’t cared for correctly.
- Chew With Care. Chewing food is a common cause of tooth injury. For example, biting into an unpopped popcorn kernel can shatter a tooth. And if you like to chew ice, you should do so with caution.
- Practice Healthy Dental Habits. Take good care of your teeth. Disease or improper care can stress your teeth, weakening them. Tooth decay, infection, and worn enamel can make a tooth more susceptible to breaking. Brush and floss often and keep your regular checkup appointments.
- Protect Yourself From Injury. Bumps and bangs frequently cause broken teeth. Consider using a mouthguard to protect your teeth if you participate in sports.
- Use Your Teeth Only for Chewing Food. When chewing food, use your teeth, and when cutting tape, use scissors. You might be surprised to learn how many patients have damaged teeth due to biting into the tape to cut it or attempting to open packaging with their teeth.
High-Quality Tooth Care in Plainfield
At Durham Dental Center, we strive to keep our patients happy with unmatched service. We deliver courteous, professional, and comfortable care.
For a consultation, give us a call right now. We want to give you the smile you deserve.