Broken Tooth? | 2 Options For Handling The Problem
When a tooth breaks, it is important to fix the problem, because when left untreated the tooth becomes susceptible to additional damage such as decay. With this in mind, you need to look through all of your options so you can choose the most reliable method for dealing with your broken tooth.
Composite Bonding
For minor breaks such as small cracks and chips, composite bonding is a reliable repair option. The material is the same one most dentists use to fill in cavities. The only difference is how the dentist places the compound onto the tooth.
The dentist starts by color matching the compound to your existing enamel. This allows the dentist to repair the problem and make it difficult for people to see that you had dental work done.
Next, the dentist will rough up the surface with a dental acid, which will not hurt. The acid is used to help open up the tubules within the enamel to help the compound adhere better. The acid is then removed so that the dentist can apply the composite bonding to your tooth.
Once the area is prepped, the compound is applied and then sculpted into the right shape. The sculpting helps blend the new material into the existing enamel, so that it matches the rest of the tooth. In most cases, this work is relatively quick and painless to complete.
Capping Options
When the break is severe, dental bonding may not be the right option. Instead, you should look into placing a cap over the tooth. With this method, the dentist creates a hollowed out false tooth to cover your broken one.
However, before the dentist can make the cap, you will need to choose a material. For example, you can choose a solid porcelain cap or a metal one. It is important to note that many of the metal caps are alloy mixtures, which means they are made from several types of metal such as gold and copper. If you have a metal allergy, it is best to stick with a solid porcelain cap.
Once the cap is made, which resembles your natural tooth, the dentist uses a special glue to adhere it to the tooth. In most cases, the process is painless, though it may take some additional time if the dentist has a laboratory make the cap for them.
When you break a tooth, you do have options for fixing the problem. It is always best to consult a dentist and see what type of work will be the right fix for your broken tooth.