Broken Tooth

Broken Tooth Emergency | Dentist ThorntonTeeth contain the hardest substance in our body. However, they are not invincible and can break more easily than we sometimes think. Due to different factors, the layers of teeth get worn out over time. As a result, teeth become at risk of cracks and fractures.

A broken tooth is one of the common dental emergencies that occur. Although it may not hurt like a toothache or knocked-out tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent or minimise the risk of infection.

Top Causes of A Broken Tooth

  • Chewing on hard foods or using teeth as a tool
  • Teeth grinding and clenching
  • A strong blow to the mouth or jaw
  • Large cavities
  • Large fillings
  • Root canal treatment failure
  • Dental health problems

First Aid for Broken Tooth

  • Rinse mouth with warm water
  • If bleeding occurs, apply pressure on the area using a piece of gauze for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. You may also use tea bag if no gauze is available.
  • To reduce swelling and relieve pain, apply a cold pack to the affected area.
  • If you can’t get to a dental clinic right away, cover the affected tooth with temporary dental cement. Dental cement can be easily purchased at a drugstore.
  • Take an over the counter pain medication.

Treatment for Different Types Of Broken Tooth

A tooth can break in different ways and each type requires a certain approach in handling the situation.

Minor cracks – if only the outermost layer of a tooth has been affected, these are called minor cracks or craze lines. To repair minor cracks, the dentist will polish the tooth to smoothen the rough spots.

Chips and cracks – tooth fillings are used to repair chips and cracks to improve the structure and appearance of the tooth. Root canal treatment may be suggested if the crack exposes the nerve and other tissues in your tooth.

Fractured cusp – this is when the chewing surface of the tooth is broken and not the inner parts. Broken cusps can be repaired and restored with composite resin. Dental crown or onlays may also be recommended.

Split Tooth – this type of broken tooth is usually treated in three phases: root canal treatment, installation of dental crown, or tooth extraction (for severe cases).

Decay-induced break – a type of broken tooth that results from an untreated cavity. The dentist will first evaluate the affected tooth to determine the extent of damage. If the decay already affects the bone, tooth extraction will be performed.

Broken Tooth Repair at Thornton Dental

If you have a broken tooth and need an emergency dentist in Thornton, we are here to help.

Thornton Dental offers Same Day Emergency Appointment!

We provide same-day appointments for dental emergency cases and offer comprehensive care for almost any types of dental emergencies. Our experienced and responsive dental team provides treatment in a caring and compassionate manner.

Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!

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