Our teeth are designed to chew and crunch on some pretty tough things. But even though tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in the human body, teeth aren’t invincible and can break. In fact, broken teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies. Breaking a tooth can certainly be scary, but your dentist in McMinnville can help you fix a broken tooth.
Broken Tooth Treatment
A broken tooth can happen to anyone and can occur by biting down on something too hard, tooth grinding, or an accident. This type of dental injury should be treated by your dentist in McMinnville quickly to prevent future problems or pain. Treatment will depend on how severe the break is and your individual situation. Here are a few different ways a dentist can fix a broken tooth.
- Dental Bonding – Minor breaks can usually be treated with dental bonding. The process is simple, painless, and can restore a tooth in no time. Your dentist will apply a tooth-colored, sticky resin in the crack and harden it with a special light. The resin fills the break with a strong restorative material that’s unnoticeable.
- Dental Crowns – Breaks that are too large to be repaired with dental bonding may need a crown. Dental crowns, also known as caps, cover the entire tooth so no additional damage can occur and your tooth is protected. Dental crowns are often color-matched to your other teeth for a flawless smile.
- Root Canal – Nobody wants to hear the term root canal. But this often misunderstood dental treatment can be a real life-saver — well, at least a real tooth-saver. If a break is so deep that it enters the inside of the tooth, it can reach the inner pulp and tooth nerves. This will most likely cause pain. But with a root canal, the affected parts of the tooth will be removed, relieving any pain and saving the natural tooth.
- Tooth Extraction – Unfortunately, not every broken tooth can be saved. Severe breaks may require a tooth to be extracted. However, oftentimes the missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or dental bridge.
Signs of a Broken Tooth
Sometimes you’ll know you have a broken tooth immediately because you’ll hear it or feel it break. Other times a break can occur without your knowledge but can present some symptoms. Some of the most common signs of a broken tooth are:
- Pain that seems to come and go
- Pain with chewing or biting down
- Swelling of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
If you notice any signs of a broken tooth, call your dentist in McMinnville to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Please note that if your pain is severe or is accompanied by bleeding that won’t stop, schedule an emergency dental appointment.
A broken tooth can be scary for anyone. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist for help. Quick treatment can prevent future problems and get you back to smiling in no time.
Dr. Amy Wark completed her one-year general dentistry residency while serving in the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Her residency allowed her to learn specialized surgical procedures involving extractions and gingival health. Dr. Wark spent the rest of her military career stationed in England and returned home to join and take over her father's practice.
Read The Full Bio
