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 Monte clinic to explore your options if you have one or more broken teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sunshinedentalelmonte.com or call Sunshine Dental Group at (626) 325-2133 for an appointment in our El Monte office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in El Monte, 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…
Receiving a smile makeover may be a good option for patients who are uncomfortable with the appearance of visible teeth that may be stained, crooked, or otherwise misaligned. It is important to talk with a licensed dentist before deciding on any specific procedure.There is no one service that is termed a “smile makeover”; instead, the…
Choosing a general dentist to perform a smile makeover is something many dental patients are now doing, as this type of dental professional is one who can offer their patients a variety of smile makeover options. It is essential for anyone interested in making over their smile to choose a dental professional they feel confident…
Are you tired of the stained or uneven tooth that sticks out every time you smile? You are not alone; many people are looking to overcome the same problem and enhance their smile. Cosmetic dentistry has advanced over the years, and now the dentist can treat dental disorders singlehandedly. At this point, you may think…
Choosing a new dentist who offers orthodontics is a great idea, as this kind of…
Research shows that patients who care for their veneer-treated teeth can have these restorations for…
Trusting your smile to a dentist is a big commitment, so choosing the right type…
Unlike traditional dentures, implant supported ones are secured into place, thus making them sturdier, stronger…
Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear…
If you have had negative experiences in the past with invasive dental work, sedation could…
