A broken tooth can be both a painful experience and a cosmetic concern. At Advances in Dentistry in Oklahoma City, our team of dentists brings over 30 years of experience in treating broken teeth, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by our community, as we have been voted the best dentist for six consecutive years.
Understanding Broken Teeth
Teeth can break due to various reasons, including trauma, biting on hard objects, cavities that weaken the tooth structure or accidents. Common symptoms of a broken tooth include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold and visible damage such as chips or cracks. It is crucial to address a broken tooth promptly to prevent further complications, such as infection or more extensive damage. A broken tooth will become more damaged over time.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you experience a broken tooth:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area.
- Protect the Tooth: If the break has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a piece of paraffin wax or sugarless chewing gum to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek.
- Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth until it can be professionally assessed.
- Call Advances in Dentistry in Oklahoma City at 405-751-6996.
Treatment Options at Advances in Dentistry
Our experienced team offers a range of treatments tailored to the severity and location of the break:
- Dental Bonding: For minor chips, a tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
- Dental Crowns: A crown, or cap, is placed over the damaged tooth to protect it and restore its shape and strength. The crowns at Advances in Dentistry are incredibly strong and allow you to eat the foods you want. The crowns are also tooth-colored and are computer fabricated allowing for excellent fit and looks.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the break exposes the tooth’s nerve, leading to infection or severe pain, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth. Typically a tooth needing a root canal will be painful and sensitive to biting. In some circumstances, a tooth needing a root canal may not have any symptoms. A dental X-ray is usually taken to see if the tooth is abscessed.
- Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells can cover the front surface of a broken or chipped tooth, enhancing its appearance. Porcelain veneers are part of our cosmetic dentistry procedures. Porcelain veneers can also protect and restore chipped, cracked and misshaped teeth.
- Dental Implants: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an implant can replace the missing tooth, providing a durable and natural-looking solution.
Why Choose Advances in Dentistry?
Our practice stands out in the Oklahoma City area for several reasons:
- Experience: With over three decades of experience, our dentists have successfully treated countless cases of broken teeth, from minor chips to severe fractures. Our dentists will explain all your options on how to fix your broken tooth.
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a stress-free experience from consultation to treatment. We understand people are nervous about getting dental treatment and have many techniques to make your experience stress-free.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our dental office is equipped with the latest dental technology, allowing us to provide precise and efficient treatments. From digital X-rays, dental lasers, intra-oral cameras, computer-designed and manufactured crowns, bridges, dentures and oral appliances, we have your smile covered.
- Community Trust: Being voted the best dentist for six years in a row reflects our dedication to maintaining high standards and building lasting relationships with our patients. Advances in Dentistry is also a donor to the OKC Beautiful Foundation. We paid for the beautification of the North May and Memorial median so our local community can enjoy a natural landscape.
Preventing Future Tooth Breakage
While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of breaking a tooth:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard candies, ice or other hard substances that can crack teeth.
- Wear Protective Gear: If you participate in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from trauma. At Advances in Dentistry, we can fabricate a professional mouthguard for you if you need it.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups keep your teeth strong and less susceptible to decay and breakage.
- Address Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, especially during sleep, consult us about a night guard to prevent undue stress on your teeth. We have seen more and more teeth grinding and clenching over the years and have been fabricating professional night guards and oral appliances for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Teeth
- What should I do if my tooth breaks but does not hurt?
Even if a broken tooth does not hurt, it is still essential to see a dentist. A small crack or chip can weaken the tooth structure and lead to more significant problems later, such as decay or infection. Treating a tooth ASAP after it chips is extremely important to keep further damage from happening. If the enamel chips off the tooth is more susceptible to decay. Delaying treatment typically will lead to more expense to fix the broken tooth.
- Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
No, a broken tooth cannot heal on its own. Teeth lack the regenerative properties of other body tissues, so professional treatment is necessary to restore their structure and function.
- Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?
It depends on the severity. A broken tooth with pain, swelling or exposed nerves is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate attention. If there is no pain, you should still schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
- What if I cannot get to a dentist right away?
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid chewing on the affected side. You can also use over-the-counter dental repair kits as a temporary measure until you see a dentist.
- How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?
The cost depends on the treatment required. Minor bonding may cost a few hundred dollars, while more extensive procedures like crowns, root canals or implants can be more expensive. Advances in Dentistry offers a range of options and financing plans to meet your needs. We will do an exam and X-ray to diagnose what needs to be done to fix your broken tooth. We will then go over the options and costs associated with fixing your broken tooth.
- Can children get broken teeth treated?
Yes, children can receive treatment for broken teeth. Pediatric dentistry options include bonding, crowns and other procedures tailored to young patients.
- Will my dental insurance cover the cost of repairing a broken tooth?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of repairing a broken tooth, depending on the procedure and your policy. Our team can help you navigate your insurance benefits to maximize coverage. We offer a complimentary insurance verification.
Contact Us
If you are dealing with a broken tooth or want to learn more about preventing dental injuries, please do not hesitate to reach out to Advances in Dentistry. Our team is here to provide expert care and guidance to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You do not need to allow a broken tooth to affect your quality of life. Contact Advances in Dentistry in Oklahoma City to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, Dr. Corbyn Rhodes or Dr. Angela Windsor. Our experienced team is ready to provide the exceptional care you deserve.
Remember, timely treatment of a broken tooth can prevent further complications and restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. Trust the experts at Advances in Dentistry to guide you through the process with professionalism and care. Call 405-751-6996 today!
Testimonials from Our Patients
“I had a severe tooth fracture, and the team at Advances in Dentistry provided exceptional care. Their expertise and compassion made the entire process smooth, and I’m thrilled with the results.” – Sarah L.
“After chipping my front tooth, I was worried about my appearance. The dentists here restored my tooth flawlessly. Their attention to detail is unmatched.” – James T.
References:
Treatment Recommendations for Crowns: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5086281/
How to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth: https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/restoring-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth/