Enamel is the strongest substance in your body, even stronger than bone. But that strength doesn’t make it invincible. Sports injuries, car accidents, and even using your tooth as a tool can all damage your enamel. Depending on the severity of your broken tooth, we may be able to repair it. However, some damaged teeth do need to be extracted. The best way to know what’s next for your smile is to visit a dentist! At Riviera Dental Care in Foley, AL, we have the tools, knowledge, and dedication to properly assess your broken tooth and determine the right treatment.
Types of Broken Teeth
There are several different types of broken teeth. The major differences between them lie in the extent of damage to your enamel.
A fracture typically means that part of your crown (the top portion of your tooth) is broken. You may even find that part of your crown has broken off. Fortunately, a fractured tooth is generally treatable, as there is no damage to the roots of your teeth (the bottom portion of your tooth).- A cracked tooth is a little more serious because it involves a larger break. Most often, the crack will span the whole crown of your tooth and stop right before it gets to the root. In many cases, this break is also treatable, but that will depend on the extent of the damage.
- A split tooth means your tooth is broken into parts down to the root. Because it affects your roots, split teeth are generally not treatable, and we will need to extract them.
If you have a broken tooth of any kind, we recommend visiting a practice like Riviera Dental Care. There, we will assess the problem and find a solution for your smile that will keep you happy and healthy.
What To Do With Your Broken Tooth
When you break a tooth, your first instinct may be to panic. But remember, help from a dental professional is just a phone call away. At Riviera Dental Care, we recommend that you call us as soon as possible. If you call within our office hours, we will do our best to accommodate your needs and get you in that day.
First, clean your mouth out with warm water, gently rinsing away any blood or debris. Next, if your mouth is bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze or cloth to the wound. Use gentle but firm pressure to stop the bleeding. If your mouth continues to bleed after 15 to 20 minutes, find an emergency dentist or emergency room that can take you right away.
Once your mouth stops bleeding, look around for any pieces that may have fallen out. Rinse them off gently with cold water (no soap) and either hold them in your mouth or in a bag of milk. This helps prevent the tooth from drying out, which is essential for repairing a broken tooth.
Finally, when coming to our office for an emergency tooth repair appointment, make sure to bring any pieces of your tooth with you.
Broken Tooth Repair Options: Which Is Right for Your Smile?
Riviera Dental Care offers a variety of treatments that help repair broken teeth. Which one you need depends on the damage to your tooth.
Dental bonding: For small chips or fractures, dental bonding is a great way to restore your enamel. This resin material helps put the pieces of your tooth back together while also blending into your natural tooth color.- Dental veneers: Typically, we use veneers for cosmetic improvements. But if the crack or chip in your tooth is small enough, you may only need a veneer to cover it up! However, your smile must be healthy, as veneers require a strong, healthy foundation.
- Dental crowns: Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the whole surface of a tooth. When a tooth is fractured or cracked, a crown can sometimes be placed on top to protect it from further damage while keeping the tooth functional.
- Dental extractions: In most cases, we need to extract split teeth. At Riviera Dental Care, we routinely provide gentle extractions, and we even offer ways to replace your missing teeth. After your extraction appointment, we’ll talk to you about your replacement options, like mini dental implants.
Our staff is experienced with handling all sorts of dental problems. When you visit our practice for dental tooth repair, we’ll provide you with a combination of compassion, skill, and the right treatments to keep your smile functional.
Fix Your Broken Tooth at Riviera Dental Care in Foley, AL
Your teeth are strong, but not indestructible. If you break a tooth, you need to seek immediate dental care from a professional like those at Riviera Dental Care. Depending on the type of broken tooth, we may be able to repair your tooth in just one appointment. To learn what we can do for you, call us as soon as possible and book a visit with our team.
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