Tooth Damage Is Common in Casper, Douglas, and Many Parts of Central Wyoming
Teeth that are broken, cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged are not as uncommon as we might think. Throughout your life, you will almost certainly have a few damaged teeth that need to be seen by a dentist.
A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can be painful, depending on the depth of the damage, but treatment is available for almost any situation. If you need broken tooth repair, contact our office right away. We are here to help!
What Causes Broken, Cracked, and Chipped Teeth?
Damaged teeth can come suddenly from trauma or from longtime habits that gradually wear your teeth down. The most common causes include:
- Sudden Trauma: Getting hit in the mouth or jaw area can cause damage to your teeth. If you experience mouth/tooth pain after such an event, contact your dentist immediately.
- Bruxism: Otherwise known as “night grinding” this longtime bad habit can lead to broken, cracked, and chipped teeth. Night grinding wears down the enamel that protects your teeth, and leaves them susceptible to damage.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Your teeth are covered by strong enamel, but you have to take care of it through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Bad habits can catch up to you, causing cavities and other problems.
- Biting on Something Hard: One bad bite on ice or hard candy can get you a damaged tooth in return. Even if you often chew on hard substances without a problem, you never know when that can suddenly cause a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth!
Our team is equipped to handle either situation, so if you need broken tooth repair, call today!
Broken, Cracked, and Chipped Tooth Treatment Options
Whatever caused your broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, you have several treatment options. Each situation is different, and our highly-trained team at Aspen Ridge Dental will be able to identify the best treatment method for you.
Common Tooth Repair Treatments
- Dental Bonding: Resin material is bonded to your existing tooth to fill in cavities or improve the color of your teeth. Dental bonding is also great for cracked tooth repair. It seals the crack and prevents bacteria from entering the tooth.
- Dental Crowns: Crowns are caps placed on top of damaged teeth. This is a common treatment option for large cavities, tooth infections, or badly broken teeth that can’t be repaired.
- Tooth Extraction: Sometimes the best option is just to remove the tooth entirely. If this is the broken tooth repair method recommended for you, ask about our dental implant tooth replacement options.
- Dental Implants: Should a tooth extraction be required, o uniquely suited to replace those teeth. Dr. Youmans is the only dentist in Wyoming who is board certified by the American Board of Oral Implantology.
- Veneers: Veneers are an increasingly popular chipped tooth repair treatment option. A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell that is placed over the chipped or otherwise damaged tooth.
Is It an Emergency?
A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth is not a pleasant experience, but not always cause for immediate alarm. You should seek chipped tooth repair immediately if you are experiencing a lot of pain or there are sharp fragments in your mouth. If you notice some damage to your tooth, but you don’t have any pain, you can make an appointment in a few days’ time.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care for Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Excessive Bleeding: In most cases, a dental break will cause some level of bleeding. A small amount may not seem like a big deal; however; if you notice excessive bleeding or the bleeding doesn’t stop after some time, it is time to get dental care right away. Waiting for the bleeding to stop only gives bacteria more time to cause an infection, and makes it harder for your tooth and gums to heal.
- Extreme Pain: If the pain is too much to bear, it is time to seek immediate dental help. Unexpected tooth damage can cause a lot of trauma to your mouth. The nerve endings in your gums and mouth can send a massive amount of pain signals to the brain. If you are experiencing this, it is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong.
- Jagged Edges: If you can see or feel jagged edges on your tooth, it’s time to get immediate dental care. Jagged edges can be very sharp and cause more damage by scraping your mouth, gums, or tongue. They can also catch on food and cause infection.
- Split Tooth: A slightly split tooth most likely won’t cause any serious damage, but the cracks and fissures can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This could cause even more damage to your tooth. This also goes for if you find your tooth out of place. You will need to see a dentist as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection or the chance of causing even more damage.
If you are in Casper, Douglas, or anywhere in Central Wyoming, and you are experiencing any of the above issues, please give us a call as soon as possible at 307-234-6054. For immediate dental issues, we are often able to get patients into the office same-day.
Regardless of the damage, once you notice you have a damaged tooth you need to make an appointment with your dentist. Damaged teeth do not get better on their own, and they will require specialized treatment by a trained professional.
How To Prevent Damaged Teeth
Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools. Your teeth are designed for biting and chewing food, not opening packages or cracking nuts. Using your teeth as tools can put undue pressure on them and increase the risk of cracks, chips, and breaks. Protect your teeth! Take the time to use scissors.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Sports-related injuries are a common cause of dental trauma, and wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth from impact. Talk to your dentist about how to find a proper mouthguard.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria that can weaken tooth enamel. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can also help identify and address any early signs of tooth damage before they become more serious.
- Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Hard, crunchy foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies can put pressure on your teeth and increase the risk of damage. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can also weaken tooth enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cracks, chips, and breaks.
Even with all the caution and preparation in the world, accidents can still happen. When they do, Aspen Ridge Dental is here for you! Our fantastic dentists can repair your cracked, chipped, or broken teeth with skill and precision. You’ll have your whole smile back soon.
Broken/Chipped Tooth Repair FAQs
What are the options for repairing a broken tooth?
Restorative dentistry offers several options for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Minor chips or fractures may be repaired with dental bonding or a dental crown. More extensive damage may require a dental crown to cover and protect the tooth or a dental implant if the tooth cannot be saved.
How can a missing tooth be replaced?
A missing tooth can be replaced through various restorative dentistry options. Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth as they offer a permanent and durable solution that closely resembles natural teeth. Other options include dental bridges and partial dentures, which can restore function and aesthetics for patients with one or more missing teeth.
What treatment options are available for a cracked tooth?
Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the severity and location of the crack. For minor cracks, dental bonding or a dental crown may be sufficient to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. However, more severe cracks may require root canal therapy to remove damaged tissue and prevent further complications. In some cases, extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge may be necessary.
How does restorative dentistry address issues with missing teeth?
Restorative dentistry offers a range of treatments to address issues with missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of the smile. Dental implants are a long-term solution that replaces the missing tooth root and provides a stable foundation for a dental crown or bridge. Dental bridges and partial dentures are alternative options for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Your dentist will assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable treatment option for restoring your smile.
Contact Aspen Ridge Dental Today for Cracked Tooth Repair
Our compassionate and highly-trained staff are available to answer questions about your oral health and address your concerns about dental treatment.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, either from a traumatic event or from daily life, feel free to contact us today.
Get Your Broken/Chipped Tooth Questions Answered – Contact Us Today!
