General dentists are the professionals individuals see for preventative dental care and their biannual checkups. However, they can also help with sudden dental needs, such as treating tooth pain or repairing broken teeth. Let us look at the causes of broken teeth, their types, and how we can help.
There are various types of broken teeth, five to be specific. Namely, they are craze lines, fractured cusps, vertical root fractures, cracked teeth, and split teeth. Craze lines typically go unnoticed, as they are minor scratches on the tooth's enamel surface. Though usually harmless, the general dentist will watch them during checkups to ensure they do not progress into a more serious fracture or compromise the tooth's health in another way. A fractured cusp occurs when the tooth's chewing surface breaks off and possibly extends to the gumline. Depending on how bad the break is, it can cause pain when eating.
Vertical root fractures are cracks that start at the root but extend upward toward the surface. Cracked teeth are characterized by a vertical crack extending toward the root; however, it does not completely split in two. Split teeth split Vertical root fractures are cracks that start at the root but extend upward toward the surface. Cracked teeth are characterized by a vertical crack extending toward the root; however, it does not completely split in two. Split teeth occur when the tooth splits completely in two and is only held together by the socket.
A general dentist will repair a broken tooth based on the present break type. However, they will generally include one of the following methods or appliances:
The general dentist will color-match a putty-like composite resin material to the tooth and directly apply it to the crack. They will shape it as desired before hardening it with a special light. Dental bonding lasts three to ten years before needing a touch-up or replacement.
Dental crowns are custom porcelain or composite resin materials shaped into caps to engulf the broken tooth. They usually require two appointments to acquire. The dentist preps the tooth and takes 3-D impressions at the first one. Then, the general dentist sends the impressions to an offsite lab to craft the permanent crown. During the second appointment, the dentist bonds the crown to the tooth, protecting it and restoring the tooth's function and appearance.
Sometimes, a tooth is unsalvageable and requires tooth extraction. The general dentist will perform a simple or surgical extraction. If a surgical extraction is necessary, the dentist must create an incision to remove the tooth or tooth particles from the socket. After the extraction, the general dentist will review replacement options, such as a dental bridge or implant. Replacing the missing tooth can help prevent jawbone and gum deterioration and the shifting of surrounding teeth.
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Broken teeth can damper how your smile looks and functions, as well as your overall oral health. If you have a broken tooth, do not delay treatment, as it may worsen the condition, leading to the need for more extensive treatment. Contact our Santa Monica office for an appointment. Our general dentist can identify the type of break you have and determine the most effective way to give you a complete, healthy smile again.
Request an appointment or call Pacific View Smile Center at 310-453-3747 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
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