Restorative dentistry has a handful of ways to go about restoring a broken tooth. It typically comes down to how severely damaged the patient’s tooth is. Restorative dentistry focuses mainly on restoring the function of teeth that have been damaged. Doing so typically improves the way the tooth looks as well.
Here are some of the ways a dentist might opt to restore a broken tooth so you regain its lost function:
This is a non-invasive, affordable treatment that is often used to fix mild to moderate breaks. It involves using a composite that is made from mixtures of plastic and glass to repair damage to a tooth’s structure. The composite is matched with the color of the person’s teeth so repairs made look natural.
Composite bonding takes about an hour to complete and it restores the damaged tooth during a single visit. There is no need to make any permanent alterations to the tooth being treated before applying the composite to it. The dentist simply roughens it with an etching solution and applies the composite in layers. It is hardened with ultraviolet light and polished to finish the treatment.
Mild to moderate breaks that mainly affect the front part of a tooth can be fixed with veneers. These are tooth-shaped restorations that are cemented to the front part of the teeth. They hide flaws and the tooth and serve as artificial enamel.
Getting veneers placed on teeth typically requires multiple trips to the dentist. Conventional veneers require the removal of some enamel from the front part of the tooth, but no-prep veneers can be used without altering the tooth.
Crowns are typically recommended for moderate to severe breaks. The crown covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line, protecting it from further damage and restoring its appearance. Placing a crown on a tooth requires shaving enamel off it to create a better fit for the crown. The process cannot be reversed, so the tooth will always need a restoration to serve as its enamel. Getting a crown usually requires two trips to the dentist. It provides a long-lasting solution for a broken tooth that can last for over 25 years.
Dentists often have to perform this procedure when a tooth has been badly damaged. It involves removing soft tissues from the pulp chamber. Severe damage to a tooth typically opens this area up, leaving the tooth vulnerable to infection. Cleaning out the contents of the pulp chamber helps to prevent this. Teeth that have been restored with a root canal are often covered with crowns to protect them.
If other options are not viable due to the damage extending below the gum line, the dentist might recommend extraction. The extracted tooth can be replaced with prosthetics like dental implants.
Call or visit our El Cajon clinic to explore your options if you have one or more broken teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in El Cajon, CA.
You might be interested in a consultation with a restorative dentist if you have a damaged or missing tooth. The dentist can restore and preserve your teeth, no matter how damaged they are, using contemporary procedures, including dental implants, veneers, and crowns. However, going to a dentist for a consultation might be frightening, so it…
Dental restorations are a great way to improve oral health and the way the smile appears. One of the most common dental restoration options is dental veneer placement. According to WebMD, dental veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned and even severely gapped, all of which classify as…
A dental restoration is administered by dentists to help patients repair teeth that have become damaged from injuries or cavities. There are a lot of different dental restoration options, each benefiting patients in different ways. Knowing which procedure is best requires careful consideration and the assistance of a dentist. Ready to learn more?The following information…
A person's teeth are the strongest part of the human body, but that does not mean you will not have to deal with tooth wear from time to time. Natural wearing down of teeth occurs slowly over a lifetime even when people practice good oral hygiene.However, there are also many things that can facilitate the…
Wondering whether you can get cosmetic dentistry treatments from a general dentist? Read on to learn more. The power of a smile is undeniable. A bright set of aligned teeth can make a person look and feel more confident. A cosmetic dentist combines art and science to produce beautiful smile outcomes.Unlike conventional dentistry, which focuses…
Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…