How Broken Teeth Will Be Treated

By the time they reach later adulthood, most people will have experienced the chipping, fracturing, or breaking of a tooth. While these incidents are fairly common, many people endure the pain without seeking the help of dentists because of fear or dental anxiety. Lake Dental Clinic hopes that by explaining the repair procedures for these various types of damaged teeth, we can allay the fears that keep you from mending them.

Chipped Teeth

The most common type of damage repaired by dentists is a chipped tooth. Some of these chips can be purely aesthetic, taking off a piece of enamel from the face or top of the tooth. In cases where the chipped enamel leaves dentin exposed, patients can experience thermal and pressure sensitivity. Treatment for these types of damage are generally easy, fixed by bonding the broken portion back to the tooth, filling the enamel when broken off a molar, or capped with a crown.

Types of Cracks

Cracked teeth, unlike chipped teeth are not always as apparent, and can’t always be seen from the surface. Additionally, there are various types of cracks that can appear in teeth, meaning that the types of procedures required can vary greatly as well.

• Craze Lines: These cracks are purely superficial, appearing only in the enamel. It isn’t generally necessary to repair these cracks, but if you dislike the appearance, you can consult your dentist about filling them.
• Fractured Cusp: These types of fractures oftentimes occur in teeth that previously had fillings. Depending on severity, this fracture may or may not cause you pain, but should be treated to avoid a worsening of the break. Dentists treating these fractures by placing a new filling in the tooth, or placing a crown over the fracture so that it cannot break further.
• Cracked and Split Teeth: Teeth with cracks or splits can sometimes be treated, depending on the severity and depth of the crack. For teeth that are not cracked below the gum line, dentists will use a crown to prevent further breaking, with the addition of a root canal if the crack has reached the root. If the tooth is cracked below the gum line, or otherwise split entirely, you will often have to undergo an extraction, and later an implant or other restorative procedure to fill the gap. 
• Vertical Root Fracture: These are fractures that begin in the root and move up to the surface of the tooth. In such cases, the affected tooth will not show obvious signs of damage, but can manifest infection in the surrounding areas. Dentists in such a case will either remove the tooth, or perform an endodontic surgery if the tooth can be saved. 

Visit Our Restorative Dental Practice

If you are experiencing pain from a fracture or break in your teeth, or think that you may have one, then schedule an appointment with Lake Dental Clinic, where we are proud to serve the Camdenton, MO area. Call today!

Why Choose Veneers

Veneers are a fast, efficient and transformative option for patients looking to bring out the best in their smiles. Patients choose veneers to resolve a multitude of cosmetic dental issues such as:

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Misshapen, oversized or undersized teeth
• Stains
• Gaps

Many cosmetic flaws are part of normal wear and tear; it’s natural for teeth to become worn, misshapen or less luminous in color over time. Veneers offer a single, all-encompassing solution for patients, one that gives them the ability to recover a beautiful, youthful, and natural looking smile.

The process is quick and simple, usually requiring only two appointments. The material used to craft veneers (porcelain) is especially durable and stain-resistant, meaning that you can cover up any existing stains all while preventing future stains from setting in. Veneers can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic and functional dental treatments, such as bridges, fillings and tooth whitening regimens. If properly cared for your veneers will last for 10 to 30 years.

Veneers, A Fast and Comprehensive Solution for A Beautiful Smile

Veneers were invented in 1928 by a California dentist named Charles Pincus. They were used by film actors to amp up the wattage of their smiles to make them more screen-friendly.  The materials and methods used in the construction and application of veneers have, of course, come a long way since 1928. Nevertheless, today, veneers are still seen as a relatively simple cosmetic process, but one that achieves reliable and brilliant results.

Veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, occluding any and all imperfections of shape and color. Before placement, your veneers are custom built, based on   for you in a dental laboratory.

Once your veneers are in place, you’ll enjoy a renewed smile that will light up the room and inspire greater self-confidence.  

Your Smile Matters

Though it’s difficult to admit, your personal appearance has a profound effect on the quality of your life. A bright, confident smile will inevitably inspire powerful and positive first impressions. In possession of a radiant smile, you’ll be more self-confident and more comfortable in your own skin.

If you would like to change the aesthetics of your smile or find out more about cosmetic dentistry in Camdenton, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.