How Are Broken Teeth Repaired?

There’s a rather distinct sinking feeling that many parents feel when they learn that their child has broken a tooth. Once the initial shock and concern over any pain your child is feeling have passed, you’ll move on to trying to figure out what to do next. That usually results in a call to the dentist who will likely recommend coming in so they can take a look and figure out what the best repair option is. So what options are there for tooth repair?

Filling or Bonding

Filling or bonding may be all that’s needed to repair a tooth with a minor break or chip. Bonding is generally used for repairs done to those teeth that show when you smile. This process involves the dentist etching the tooth’s surface, applying adhesive, and adding a tooth-colored resin. That resin is then shaped to look like the natural tooth before being hardened with ultraviolet light.

Dental Cap or Crown

Dental caps or crowns may be necessary for larger breaks. These will protect the remaining tooth from decay and further damage. If the entire top of the tooth is broken off, it may be necessary to have root canal therapy done and then build up a structure that a crown can be placed over. Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or ceramic. If your goal is for the repair to look as much like the old tooth as possible, porcelain and resin crowns are usually the best options.

Veneer

Veneers can be a good option for front teeth that are broken or chipped. They are a thin layer of porcelain or resin that covers the front of the tooth. The area covering the break is usually built up to be thicker to adequately replace the broken area. The process is similar to bonding, but with the addition of making an impression of the tooth so the veneer can be made by a dental laboratory.

Teeth are pretty tough, but they can still break if they’re treated too roughly. If your child breaks a tooth, see the dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, help them manage any pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (used as directed), cover sharp edges with paraffin wax, and offer them soft foods. That will help minimize the discomfort they experience until you’re able to get them in to see the dentist.

It’s a good idea for every parent to be familiar with different types of pediatric dental emergencies. Click here to learn more about them from Maccaro Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry today!