admin
Nov 10, 2020
The pain caused by chipped or broken teeth is nothing compared to the embarrassment caused by them. It can turn your social life upside down by lowering your self-esteem.
However, there is nothing to be ashamed when it comes to damaged teeth. Chipped teeth are quite common and can badly affect your eating habits and make your teeth prone to cavities and damage.
Several reasons can lead to this dental problem, including biting on hard food like an ice cube, an injury or a fall, and cavities.
The moment you realise that you have chipped a tooth, you must visit your dentist in Hope Island to get it fixed. There are a variety of treatments that are available for the restoration of broken teeth.
Your dentist can help you opt for the best one after examining the condition of the tooth. If you want to know about all the procedures, then here is a rundown on the treatments.
1. Cosmetic Fillings
Cracks or pits in teeth can be effectively be restored with the help of dental fillings. These not only repair the damage but also bring back the tooth to its natural-looking appearance.
If you do not get these openings filled, then they can become the ideal breeding ground for bacteria as food particles will get stuck in them.
The dentist cleans out the debris inside the fissure and covers the fracture with a white or composite filling material. There are a plethora of filling types ranging from porcelain and ceramic to acrylic resin and glass.
The filling is bonded to the tooth with the help of a special blue light and is then polished to make the surface smooth. The procedure can be completed within half an hour.
2. Crowns and Bridges
If you have lost a tooth completely due to an accident or it is partially broken due to cavity or tooth decay, then crowns and bridges can prove helpful. They are perfect for hiding the gaps created by missing teeth.
Crowns and bridges are placed over the damaged teeth and look similar to other teeth in colour and texture. They are used by dentists when filling is not enough to restore the tooth.
The patient can chew food perfectly after the insertion of these prosthetic devices. They can be made up of ceramic, porcelain or gold and can be chosen by the patient after consulting the dentist.
The procedure can be completed in two sessions wherein the dentist will reshape the anchor teeth to become suitable for the placement of the device and take an impression of the tooth to develop it in the lab. The second session involves cementing the device on the anchor teeth or broken tooth.
3. Root Canal
While many dread the treatment, it is not all that bad as it is made out to be. A cavity can quickly turn into a decaying tooth which can damage the inner core.
If you have been avoiding toothache or sensitivity, then you must get it checked as these are signs of damage to the root.
A broken tooth is often responsible for the infection of the pulp, and if it is badly affected, then the dentist will have to perform a root canal.
It involves the removal of the infected pulp by drilling the tooth to get rid of the pus and debris. The canals present in the tooth are then shaped into hollow pipes and are filled to keep infection at bay.
The procedure ends with the fitting of a crown on the tooth to keep it safe from bacteria. It is not as painful as the procedure is done after administering local anaesthesia which numbs the tooth and a part of the jaw.
Also, the infection of the root must be treated, or it can transform into a major health issue as the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body.
4. Veneers
Chipped or broken teeth are not only painful but they are also unsightly. It can make you socially awkward and a recluse if you do not get them corrected.
According to AIHW, 4 in 10 people delay their visit to a dentist, but it can make the problem worse. Thus it is recommended to get in touch with your practitioner as soon as you witness a broken tooth.
Veneers are the perfect way to achieve an ideal smile if you have a cracked tooth. These are made up of porcelain and are super thin, which makes them almost invisible after being bonded to the front surface of the broken tooth.
The treatment is also beneficial in case of a crooked, misaligned, fractured or discoloured tooth. The dentist begins the treatment by taking an impression of the tooth and then reshaping it to make the veneer fit properly. The next session involves cementing the veneer on the chipped tooth.
5. Dental Implants
A dental implant is required if the tooth is damaged below the gum and the bone. The broken tooth is removed by the dentist. Then a screw made up of titanium is fixed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure.
The next part of the treatment is carried out after a few months where the new tooth is placed on the top of the screw, which looks like a natural tooth. The implanted tooth gets fused with the jaw bone and acts as a permanent tooth.
Conclusion
Chipped or broken teeth can affect your oral health, obstruct chewing and make you uncomfortable. Thus you must visit a dentist in Hope Island to find out the best treatment to get the problem corrected before it turns into a painful ailment.
