Did you know that the outermost covering of our teeth, the dental enamel, is the hardest tissue of our body? Despite this, teeth can sometimes break or fracture. So why do teeth fracture, and what should one do when this happens? If you are looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. This blog will discuss factors that can cause tooth fractures and treatment options available for broken tooth repair.
What Should I Do If My Tooth Is Cracked?
When it comes to cracked or broken teeth, seeking treatment in a timely manner can go a long way in ensuring that the affected tooth lasts for a long time. If you feel that you have a broken or fractured tooth, you should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. While waiting, you should rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any chips or debris. You may also apply an icepack over the affected side of the face to reduce the risk of swelling if the broken tooth piece injures the soft tissues in your mouth.
Should A Broken Tooth Be Extracted?
In many cases, broken teeth can be saved if one seeks treatment on time. However, there are certain conditions when broken teeth cannot be saved. For example, if the crack in a tooth extends vertically below the gumline, such teeth cannot be restored. In these cases, the damaged tooth should be extracted and replaced with an implant-supported artificial tooth. When you visit your dentist with a broken tooth, they will perform a clinical examination and take X-ray images of the affected tooth to ascertain whether the tooth can be repaired or saved.
Can A Cracked Tooth Be Joined By Itself?
A broken tooth cannot be joined by itself. However, dentists may bond a broken piece of a tooth back to its position using an adhesive. However, this is possible if a small tooth piece has broken. For larger chips, dentists replace the damaged tooth portion with a suitable, tooth-coloured filling material.
Does A Fractured And Infected Tooth Need To Be Extracted?
Not all fractured or infected teeth need to be extracted. According to Mayo Clinic, dentists replace the missing portions of broken or chipped teeth with a suitable filling material such as composite resins. However, if the crack or damage extends vertically beyond the gumline, it will have to be removed and replaced with an artificial tooth. Also, if a tooth is infected, the dentist may consider performing a root canal treatment to relieve the underlying issue.
My Molar Cracked. Do I Have To Get It Extracted?
It is not compulsory to get all molar teeth removed if they get cracked. In most cases, fractured or cracked teeth can be easily repaired. If the damage is extensive, your dentist may consider reinforcing it with a crown after restoring it. So, it all depends on the location and extent of the damage or crack.
Can A Dentist Pull A Tooth That Is Broken Off At The Gum Line?
Dentists typically pull out teeth that have broken off at the gumline. According to Healthline, this is done because a fracture at the gumline indicates that the damage to the tooth is likely extensive, and it cannot be restored. Such teeth are extracted and replaced with implant-supported artificial teeth.
How Does A Dentist Repair A Cracked Front Tooth?
A broken front tooth can create an aesthetic concern. Therefore, it should be repaired without delay. To repair broken front teeth, your dentist will first assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is small, they will replace the missing tooth portion with a composite filling. If the damage is large, they may consider a veneer or placing a crown over the tooth after the filling. Finally, if the fracture line crosses the gumline, they will extract the tooth and replace it with an implant-supported prosthesis.
How Do Dentist Remove Broken Teeth?
Dentists remove broken teeth using forceps designed for each tooth type. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia to make sure that the patient remains pain-free. In case the damage to the tooth is extensive, they may consider pulling out the tooth in pieces to facilitate removal. Sometimes, broken teeth need to be removed surgically by removing the bone tissue around them.
Is A Broken Molar Serious If There Is No Pain?
Even if a broken molar tooth is not causing pain, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Instead, you should visit your dentist immediately to get it restored. Your dentist will clinically examine the tooth and look at its X-ray images to decide the best course of action.
Is It Better To Have A Tooth Repaired Or Pulled?
It is always better to repair broken teeth than to have them removed. The only exception is when the damage is so extensive that it crosses the gumline. In such cases, the affected teeth should be removed and replaced with an artificial one.
Can I Get A Chipped Tooth Fixed While Having Braces?
If you get a tooth chipped or broken during orthodontic treatment, it should be replaced without delay. This is particularly important when the bracket also got dislodged due to the fracture. Such teeth should be repaired immediately so that orthodontic treatment can continue uninterrupted.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Didcot for a chipped or fractured tooth, you should visit The Oxford Smile Clinics. We offer high-quality services to our esteemed patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Book an emergency consultation with us if you or a loved one has fractured a tooth.