Having a broken tooth can be traumatic and distressing. But quick action and a visit to the dentist at the earliest can fix the damage and help to prevent long-term problems. 

Treatment for broken teeth in Parkland is provided by highly experienced dental specialists who possess extensive knowledge of modern dental techniques. 

Broken tooth explained

Your tooth structure is made up of minerals that provide hardness and strength. However, despite having a good tensile strength, your tooth is prone to breakage, especially if a large amount of force is exerted on it. 

Causes

There could be multiple causes that can lead to breaking of the tooth, which include:

• Age over 50 years
• Biting or chewing hard food substances like ice or nuts
• Excess gum chewing habit
• Extensive decay or large fillings that can weaken your tooth
• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
• Trauma, including falls, road accidents, or sports injuries

Symptoms of a broken tooth

A broken tooth is always accompanied by the following clinical manifestations:

• Intermittently recurring pain in the tooth that worsens while biting or chewing
• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Broken fragments may be sharp and can hurt your tongue
• Swelling around the tooth

Broken tooth- a common dental emergency

You may notice cracks due to a fracture or a prominent break in the tooth structure. It is a common dental emergency, especially in children. Adults may not always require immediate attention. Handling an emergency without panicking is the key to a successful treatment in the future. 

Managing a broken tooth

• Keep calm, and do not panic.
• Call your dentist immediately and fix an appointment.
• Inspect your tooth and retain the broken fragments since your dentist may be able to fix it.
• Rinse the broken tooth or fragment in plain running water.
• Do not scrub or scratch the tooth.
• Inspect your mouth and check for any broken fragments inside.
• Use a clean gauze and press against the broken tooth to stop the bleeding.
• Take a painkiller to ease pain and medication
• Rush to your dentist as soon as possible.

Treatment for a broken tooth

A broken tooth can be aesthetically unappealing, especially if it involves the anterior teeth. Often adults require treatment for cosmetic reasons, which involves contouring broken edges and polishing. 

Other treatments include:

• Dental bonding
• Root canal therapy
• Splinting 
• Porcelain crowns 
• Dental veneers
• Extraction, especially if it breaks near the root, which is beyond repair

Summary 

Broken teeth are often a dental emergency in children, but not when it comes to adults. Managing an emergency is essential to prevent further damage to the tooth. Your dentist can offer several effective treatments that best suit your individual needs.