Did you know that teeth can break? It’s not a very common occurrence, but it does happen. Teeth are strong and durable, but they can still break if something hard hits them or if too much force is applied. If you have a broken tooth, don’t panic! There are several ways to repair it. In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways that teeth can break and the best ways to fix them.
How Teeth Can Break
There are three main types of tooth fractures: crown fractures, root fractures, and chipped crowns.
- Crown fractures are the most common type of fracture. They occur when the tooth’s enamel is cracked or broken.
- Root fractures occur when the tooth’s root is fractured.
- Chipped crowns occur when the tooth’s enamel is chipped.
There are several things that can cause teeth to break.
- One of the most common causes is biting on hard objects. This can include hard candy, ice cubes, and popcorn kernels. Chewing on hard objects can put too much force on the teeth and cause them to break.
- Grinding your teeth can also put too much force on them and cause them to break. Clenching your jaw can also put too much pressure on the teeth and cause them to break.
- Trauma to the face can also cause teeth to break. This includes accidents, sports injuries, and falls. When the force of the impact is too much for the teeth to handle, they can break.
How to Fix a Broken Tooth
The best way to fix a broken tooth depends on the type of fracture and the severity of the fracture.
Composite Bonding
For minor fractures, composite bonding is often the best option. This involves bonding a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to restore its shape and appearance. Composite bonding does not require enamel modification and it can easily be completed in a single dental appointment. However, it is not ideal for larger fractures.
Veneers
Veneers are another option for repairing minor to moderate fractures. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Veneers can be used to repair chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and misshapen teeth. They can also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth. Veneers are a more permanent solution than composite bonding and they can provide the teeth with extra strength.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are another option for repairing moderate to severe fractures. Crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic and they fit over the entire tooth. They are used to restore the shape, size, and appearance of the tooth. Crowns can also be used to improve the strength of the tooth.
Extraction with Dental Implants
In some cases, extraction with dental implants is the best option. This involves removing the damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. Dental implants are made from titanium and they are surgically placed in the jawbone. They act as a replacement for the tooth’s root. Once the implant has healed, a dental crown is placed on top of it. This option is ideal for severe fractures that cannot be repaired with other methods.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed the different ways that teeth can break and the best ways to fix them. If you have a broken tooth, don’t panic! There are several options for repairing it. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you. Thank you for reading! We hope this blog post was helpful.
Dr. Gerald Sisko graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1987. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Akron Dental Society where he is currently holding a council position. He has had the honor and distinction of being awarded “TOP DENTIST” in Akron and Cleveland as well as Northeast Ohio for the last several consecutive years.
