[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In 2015, The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) referred to a cracked or broken as an epidemic. Cracks and fractures are the 3rd leading cause of tooth loss today.
A patient may not know they have a broken tooth until they start to feel pain. We recommend regular checkups to ensure your teeth are in their best possible condition and that you don’t already have something like a cracking tooth. Call us today to receive the best quality dental care available in Abbeville if you have a broken tooth.
Don’t Leave a Broken Tooth Untreated
Broken teeth can be painful, but you may be tempted to leave it untreated. Doing so can increase sensitivity and cause further problems.
A crack can grow into a break, and other problems can compound with time. The damage can allow bacteria and other harmful substances to enter the tooth. The result can be a painful abscess, infection, and tooth decay. A broken tooth can also mean a weakened tooth structure, causing the tooth to break further when you chew
A tooth can break or crack in different ways, causing different pain levels and complications. You could have a crack that runs into or through the tooth root. You could have a break which causes the top of the tooth to come off. You could have a tooth chip, which can usually be repaired quickly and easily.
How to Prevent a Broken Tooth
Teeth are strong and meant to last a lifetime. You can keep them in great shape if you take care of them.
Chewing food is a common cause of a broken tooth, so chew with care. An unpopped popcorn kernel can be very hard and can break a tooth when biting into one. If you like to chew ice, you should do so carefully and with moderation. If you play sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Many patients experience a broken tooth because they are biting into the tape to cut it or packaging to open it. Use scissors for cutting tape and opening things. Use your teeth only for chewing food.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
Stressed teeth can be less resilient than healthy teeth. Tooth decay and infection can weaken teeth. Take good care of your teeth! Brushing and flossing often will keep your teeth in a strong, healthy state. Keep your regular checkup appointments. Dr. Lance Savoie Family Dental will keep your teeth in their best possible shape.
How a Broken Tooth Can Be Treated
Sometimes a broken tooth will need to be extracted. Other times we can save the natural tooth. Some common ways to address a broken tooth are:
- Repair Depending on the broken tooth severity, we may be able to repair the damage. Fillings and restoring chipped teeth with a tooth-colored composite resin are common ways to quickly, effectively repair your teeth.
- Bridges A bridge is a prosthetic tooth set that can cover the gap left behind by an extracted tooth.
- Implants Implants serve as a base for a new tooth crown or veneer after a tooth extraction.
- Crowns Crowns can fit over the top of a damaged tooth, restoring beauty and strength.
- Root canal A root canal will clean, restore, and strengthen a tooth’s interior, preventing decay and making it less likely to break again in the future.
Don’t Wait, Call Today
A broken tooth can keep you from smiling not only because it can be painful, but it can be unsightly. At Dr. Lance Savoie Family Dental, we can repair or replace your broken tooth with friendly, professional, quality dental care. We want to fix your smile and help you bring it out as often as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
