A broken tooth means a restorative dentistry appointment is in your future! If you break a tooth, follow these instructions to stabilize the tooth until you can be seen by our Denver dentists. Once you get to your appointment, your Metro Dental Care dentist may recommend one of the following treatments to restore your broken tooth. The type of treatment needed can vary, depending on the severity of the break, the health and strength of your tooth, or the location of the tooth that broke. Below, learn more about our common restorative procedures and what you can expect while in the dental chair.
If you’ve recently broken a tooth and are looking for swift, skilled care, contact our downtown Denver practice. Our team of dentists at Metro Dental Care offer restorative treatments to repair the function and beauty of your natural smile. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call us at 303.534.2626.
Composite Bonding
If a small area of the tooth has broken, your Metro Dental Care dentist may be able to repair the chip or break by using composite, resin-like material — the same material that is used to fill a cavity. Dental bonding is a quick, painless procedure; it takes just one hour or less at our practice. Your dentist will prepare the composite resin material by tinting it to match your natural tooth color. Then, the composite material can be shaped and applied to your broken tooth. A special dental curing light hardens the composite and creates a strong bond, which can last up to five or eight years with proper oral hygiene and care. Before you leave, your dentist will buff the composite to a glossy finish, mimicking the appearance of natural enamel.
Dental Crown
For a more significant break or crack, your dentist may determine that the tooth requires a dental crown. A crown acts as a protective cap and fits over the natural crown of the tooth, resting above the gum line. Created from incredibly hard, durable porcelain, the crown protects the vulnerable tooth from oral bacteria, temperature fluctuations, and future damage. At your appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth for a dental crown by taking impressions and 3D images to aid the dental laboratory in its fabrication process. Then, your dentist will file down the natural tooth, to make room for the future permanent crown. Before you leave, a temporary resin crown will be placed over your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown can be attached in two to three weeks.
Root Canal
We always attempt the most conservative treatment when it comes to repairing teeth. That’s because, whenever possible, saving your natural teeth is beneficial for your oral health and can maintain proper jaw and bone structure. If a broken tooth causes damage or inflammation in the inner tooth (or pulp), a root canal treatment may be needed. Root canal therapy saves the natural tooth while removing any infection or inflammation. Your dentist will remove the tooth’s soft, inner tissues and shape and fill the tooth root “canals” with durable, rubbery material. A tooth restored through root canal therapy is a long-term solution, but a dental crown is needed to protect the crown of the restored tooth.
Tooth Extraction
In instances of a severe break, where a tooth can no longer be restored through root canal therapy, an extraction may be needed. This is usually the last treatment option. After an extraction, our Denver dental team can provide tooth replacement treatment in the form of a dental bridge or dental implant. These restorative treatments will fill the gap in your smile, and make eating and speaking easier.
Broken Tooth Treatments in Denver, CO
If you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, don’t put off treatment. Even if you don’t feel pain, our dentists can ensure the health of your tooth is preserved and can prevent future infection or pain. Call our downtown Denver practice today to schedule a restorative dentistry a
