If you’ve broken a tooth, modern dentistry has many different treatments available when it comes to fixing it. The treatment you choose depends on how much and where the tooth has been broken, where in the mouth your tooth is, your budget and what is your personal preference. Treatments range from composite fillings for minor chips and cracks through to dental crowns when a strong and long-lasting solution is required for more extensive damage. Find out more about the broken tooth treatment options that can restore your tooth to looking and functioning at its best.
Broken Tooth Treatment – What’s Available?
While most people associate a broken tooth with trauma that has caused a dental injury—either through sports injuries or some other accident, broken teeth can also be the result of wear and tear—particularly in people that suffer from bruxism (tooth grinding or jaw clenching) that can wear down enamel and cause cracks to appear.
What’s the Damage?
The treatment for a broken tooth depends on what type of damage is caused.
Bonding and fillings are used for minimal damage but major damage will typically require a dental crown.
Here are some of the broken tooth treatment options, and what types of damage they are used for:
Fillings and Bonding
For minor damage, such as chipping off a small amount of tooth enamel a filling or dental bonding may well be all that’s required. Bonding tends to be used on the front teeth, using composite resin that can be colour-matched to your other teeth. Both of these procedures are carried out in one session at your dentist’s office.
Inlays
If the damage is a little more extensive—but not enough to warrant a dental crown—then an inlay may be preferred. This type of restoration is made from a solid piece of material that fits into the damaged section of the tooth and is cemented in place.
An inlay is a custom-made device that fits inside a tooth, restoring its natural shape and function. The inlay is made in a lab, following a dental impression of the tooth, and can be made from gold, porcelain, or composite resin. You will need to return to the dentist to have the inlay affixed to your tooth when the dentist receives it from the lab.
Onlays
An onlay is similar to an inlay, only this restoration is designed to repair the cusps (the pointed sections of the back teeth). It is for larger restorations than inlays and because it covers more than one of the tooth’s chewing surfaces is sometimes called a partial crown.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can also be used to make minor repairs, although unlike dental crowns they are typically used for cosmetic rather than restorative purposes and aren’t typically a go-to broken tooth treatment. Also known as dental porcelain laminates, are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are coloured to match the surrounding teeth, and can also be used to cover gaps and give the appearance of a straighter smile without requiring orthodontic treatment.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used when a more extensive dental restoration is required and where a repair may need support with the additional strength of a dental crown. Also known as caps because a dental crown covers the entire tooth, they are a versatile treatment that improves the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes, such as to cover stained, cracked, or chipped teeth as well as to add strength to weak teeth.
Root Canals
Root Canal therapy may be required for a tooth where the damage has exposed the pulp–the centre of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. A root canal can help save a tooth from extraction, relieve pain, and prevent infection. However, additional treatment with a dental crown may also be required.
Teeth that have been knocked out completely can be re-inserted and stabilised with a splint. They will also likely need a root canal once the tooth has re-established itself.
How Will I Know What Broken Tooth Treatment is Best for Me?
A dentist will talk you through the options. Obviously, not every treatment is right for every situation—and there is a big difference between a minor chipped tooth and one that is considerably damaged.
Most often, a dental crown is one of the best treatments for teeth that have anything more than minor damage. Dental crowns are a versatile and preferred option when a tooth has had a large filling or root canal and needs strengthening as a preventive measure to prevent the tooth from fracturing and have the following benefits:
- Dental crowns support teeth damaged by significant decay
- Further tooth damage can be prevented with a dental crown
- A dental crown can protect a worn-down tooth
- A tooth’s appearance can be improved with a dental crown
- Dental crowns are a long-lasting solution that can last for 15 years or more
- Dental crowns have a high success rate compared to other restoration methods
The Bottom Line
In short, the best broken tooth treatment option will depend on the extent of the damage. If you think you have a cracked tooth, a swift repair can lessen the chance of tooth damage or the need for additional dental procedures. For major damage, it’s likely that dental crowns will provide the best solution. Contact us on (02) 8806 0227 to schedule an appointment to find out more.
References
Colgate: What is dental bonding?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bonding/what-is-teeth-bonding
Medical News Today: What to Know About Dental Veneers
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers
Healthline: Root Canal
https://www.healthline.com/health/root-canal