At Southern Cal Smiles in Woodland Hills, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care to our patients. If you have a broken tooth, a chipped tooth, or a tooth that’s cracked or fractured, we’re here to help.
What Is a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth has been cracked or fractured. The crack can be visible on the surface of the tooth, or it can be hidden within the tooth. Broken teeth can be caused by trauma, such as falling and hitting your mouth, or by biting down on something hard. They can cause severe pain and sensitivity, and it’s important to see a dentist for treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection.
How To Fix a Broken Tooth
Our team of skilled dental professionals will assess the location and severity of the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. One option for repairing a broken tooth or a chipped tooth is dental bonding. If the damage is small and doesn’t significantly affect the tooth’s structure, our dentist may be able to repair it with bonding. This involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and shaping it to match the rest of the tooth. Bonding is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure that can typically be completed in a single visit to our Woodland Hills office.
If the damage is larger and affects the tooth’s structure, our dentist may recommend a dental filling. This involves removing the damaged part of the tooth and filling the space with a composite resin or other filling material. Fillings are a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure, and can typically be completed in a single visit to our office.
If tooth damage is extensive or severe, our dentist may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth and is typically made of porcelain or ceramic material. Crowns are a more involved procedure and may require two or more visits to our office. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking an impression, which is used to create the custom-fitted crown. The second visit involves placing the crown on the tooth. Dental crowns are more expensive than bonding or fillings, but they’re also more durable and can last for many years with proper care.
If the damage exposes the tooth’s root or its nerve, our dentist may recommend a root canal. This involves removing the damaged part of the tooth and the nerve tissue inside and filling the space with a special material. Root canal treatment will typically require two visits to our office. The first visit involves numbing the area and making a small hole in the tooth to access the root canal. The second visit involves filling the root canal and placing a filling or crown on the tooth to protect it. Root canals are more expensive than bonding, fillings, or crowns, and may be accompanied by some discomfort during the healing process.
Don’t Delay Treatment for a Broken Tooth
Ignoring dental problems or delaying treatment can have serious consequences for your oral health. When dental problems are left untreated, they can worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly treatments. For example, a small cavity can turn into a large cavity or even an infected tooth if left untreated. Similarly, gum disease can progress from the early stages of gingivitis to the more serious condition of periodontitis if not addressed. Ignoring dental problems can also lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues such as abscesses and bone loss. In addition, dental problems can affect overall health, as research has linked oral health to systemic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. To avoid the risks of ignoring dental problems or delaying treatment, it’s important to see a dentist regularly for check-ups and to address any issues as soon as they arise.
At Southern Cal Smiles in Woodland Hills, we’re dedicated to helping our patients get their smiles back to their best. If you have a broken tooth, a chipped tooth, or a tooth with an exposed nerve, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options and get the care you need. Our team is here to help you get your smile back to its best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Teeth
If you have a broken tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring a damaged tooth can lead to further problems such as infection or the need for more extensive and costly treatment in the future.
The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. Options may include dental bonding, fillings, dental crowns, or a root canal treatment. Your dentist will recommend the best course of treatment based on the location and severity of the break.
Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly, can help prevent the need for extensive dental work in the future.
If the nerve in your tooth is exposed, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the damaged part of the tooth and the nerve tissue inside and fill the space with a special material. Root canals are more involved and may be accompanied by some discomfort during the healing process.
In most cases, a broken tooth can be repaired with the appropriate treatment. It’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options and get the care you need to repair your broken tooth.