A broken or chipped tooth can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Fortunately, with the help of modern dentistry, there are several treatments available to repair a broken tooth and make it as good as new. A tooth filling is one of the most common treatments for repairing a broken tooth. This article discusses fillings in detail and other common treatments for restoring a broken tooth.
What are dental fillings, and what materials are they made of?
Dental fillings are materials that dentists use to repair cavities and other damage on the surface of a tooth. Fillings can be made from various types of materials, including composite resin, amalgam, porcelain, and gold.
When a dental filling is placed in a damaged tooth, it helps prevent further tooth decay by sealing off the area and preventing bacteria from entering the tooth. It also helps restore the tooth’s original shape and function.
How to care for a broken tooth?
To address a broken or chipped tooth, it is essential to make an appointment with your dentist promptly. Meanwhile, you can take ibuprofen for pain management and inflammation relief, ice the area around the affected portion of your cheek/face, and apply temporary dental bonding material or dental wax to coat any jagged edges on the permanent teeth in order to prevent irritation until professional repair work can be completed.
What are the dental treatments for repairing a broken tooth?
Dental fillings
Broken tooth fillings involve filling in the gap where the piece of a broken tooth is missing with a special dental material. This material is strong and durable, so it will last for many years before needing to be replaced. Fillings are usually used for small breaks or chips in the tooth.
Dental crowns
If you have suffered more serious damage to your tooth, you may need a crown. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and act as a protective cap that prevents further damage from occurring. They also help strengthen your tooth and make it less likely to break again in the future.
Crowns provide better protection for your teeth and last longer than fillings do.
Root canal treatment
It is performed when decay or infection has reached inside the root of the tooth, causing pain and discomfort. During this procedure, the dentist will remove any infected tissue and seal up the root canals with special materials to prevent further infection from occurring in that area of the mouth. Root canal treatments may also require follow-up appointments with the dentist to ensure that everything is healing properly and no further damage has occurred since the initial treatment was completed.
Dental bonding
Bonding is similar to fillings, but it uses a different type of material (typically composite resin) which is shaped and moulded into place by hand before being hardened using ultraviolet light or laser technology onto the surface of your damaged teeth. Bonding provides a natural-looking finish that blends well with surrounding teeth, making it ideal for repairing small chips or fractures on front teeth where aesthetics are important.
Get your chipped or broken tooth treated at Woonona Dentists
At Woonona Dentists, we offer a range of treatments for repairing chipped or broken teeth. Our experienced team of dentists can assess your individual needs and provide you with the most suitable treatment plan to ensure that your cracked tooth is repaired quickly and effectively. We use only high-quality materials to ensure that our repairs are strong and durable, so you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come. Contact us today at (02) 4208 0639 to book your appointment!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Health and Tooth Fillings
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings
What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth