A broken tooth is a common dental issue that can happen due to trauma, decay, or simply biting down on something hard. If a tooth breaks, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage, pain, or infection. Dental professionals use various materials to fill and restore broken teeth, depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the tooth.
This article will explore the different options available for filling a broken tooth, how each material works, and what you can expect from the treatment.
Understanding a Broken Tooth
What Causes a Tooth to Break?
Teeth can break for several reasons. Biting into hard foods, trauma from an accident, or underlying dental decay can weaken the tooth structure. Sometimes, older fillings may no longer provide sufficient support, leading to cracks or fractures. Over time, teeth can also become more fragile due to wear and tear or teeth grinding (bruxism), increasing the likelihood of a break.
A broken tooth can vary in severity, from a small chip to a large fracture that exposes the tooth’s inner layers. If not treated, a broken tooth can lead to pain, sensitivity, and even infection. That’s why getting it treated promptly is crucial.
Immediate Steps After Breaking a Tooth
If you break a tooth, it’s essential to protect the area until you can see a dentist. Rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying gauze if there is any bleeding can help. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and if there is pain or swelling, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can reduce discomfort. However, to ensure proper treatment, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is necessary.
Types of Fillings for a Broken Tooth
There are various options for filling a broken tooth, each with its specific benefits depending on the extent of the damage and location in the mouth. These fillings are designed to restore the tooth’s structure, function, and appearance.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the most common and effective solutions for small chips or minor fractures in teeth. This process involves using a tooth-colored composite resin that can be easily shaped and molded to fill the broken area. The resin is then hardened using a special light, which bonds it securely to the tooth.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
One of the key advantages of bonding is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It is a relatively quick procedure, usually completed in a single visit, and can match the color of your natural teeth, making it an aesthetic option. Bonding works well for front teeth or small fractures where minimal pressure is applied during chewing.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are used to repair teeth that have suffered moderate damage, such as larger fractures or breaks. These fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, providing durability and a natural appearance. Composite fillings are also known for being tooth-colored, making them a popular choice for visible areas of the mouth.
How Composite Fillings Work
The dentist will first remove any decayed or weakened parts of the tooth. They will then apply layers of the composite material, hardening each layer with a curing light. This process ensures that the filling is secure and shaped to restore the tooth’s original form.
Durability and Lifespan
Composite fillings are quite durable but may not last as long as other materials like amalgam in back teeth, which endure more chewing pressure. However, they are ideal for patients who prefer a more natural-looking filling that blends with their existing teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings, made from a mixture of metals like silver, mercury, tin, and copper, are a time-tested option for filling broken teeth. These are often used for back teeth that experience heavy chewing, such as molars.
Benefits of Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are known for their strength and longevity, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more. They are a good choice for patients with large fractures in back teeth that need a sturdy material to withstand pressure. However, due to their silver color, amalgam fillings are less aesthetic than composite or bonding options and are usually used where they will not be highly visible.
Inlays and Onlays
For more severe tooth damage, an inlay or onlay may be recommended. These are custom-made fillings created in a dental lab from porcelain or composite materials. They are stronger than standard fillings and are bonded to the tooth to provide additional support.
Difference Between Inlays and Onlays
An inlay is placed within the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger portion of the tooth. Both inlays and onlays are highly durable, making them suitable for teeth that have significant damage but do not require a full crown.
Dental Crowns
If the break is extensive and most of the tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown may be the best solution. A crown is essentially a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing protection and restoring its shape and function.
When Are Crowns Necessary?
Crowns are typically used when the damage is too severe for a standard filling or inlay/onlay to repair. If a large portion of the tooth is missing or the tooth is cracked down to the root, a crown can safeguard the remaining tooth structure. Crowns can be made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, with porcelain crowns being the most popular for their natural appearance.
The Process of Filling a Broken Tooth
Step 1: Diagnosis and Evaluation
When you visit your dentist with a broken tooth, the first step will be a thorough examination. Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage through visual inspection and possibly X-rays. This evaluation will help determine the best treatment option.
Step 2: Preparation of the Tooth
If decay is present or the tooth needs shaping, the dentist will remove the affected area. For fillings like composite resin, the tooth surface may be etched or roughened to allow better adhesion.
Step 3: Filling Application
The chosen filling material, whether composite, amalgam, or bonding resin, will be applied to the prepared tooth. For composites and bonding, the material is placed in layers and hardened between applications. The filling is then shaped to match the contours of the tooth.
Step 4: Final Adjustments
Once the filling is in place, the dentist will polish and smooth the surface. They will check the bite to ensure proper alignment and make adjustments if needed. After the filling is complete, the tooth should function normally again.
see also: Is Mouthwash Good for Teeth?
How Long Will the Filling Last?
The longevity of a filling depends on the material used and how well the tooth is cared for after treatment. Composite fillings typically last 5 to 7 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years or more. Crowns, inlays, and onlays may also last a decade or longer with proper care.
Post-Filling Care
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prolong the life of a filling. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash can help protect the tooth and filling from decay and damage.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the filling and catch any problems early. If the filling shows signs of wear or damage, your dentist may recommend a replacement.
Conclusion
There are several materials that dentists can use to fill a broken tooth, including dental bonding, composite fillings, amalgam fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. The choice of filling depends on the severity of the break, the tooth’s location, and personal preferences. While all of these materials can restore the tooth’s structure and function, discussing your options with your dentist is crucial to ensure the best outcome for your dental health.
Related topics:
