Chipped or broken teeth can happen in an instant—whether it’s a sports injury or an accidental bite into something hard like ice, candy, or an olive pit. The realization that your tooth is damaged can be unsettling. On the bright side, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions to restore your smile to its beaming and fully functional best. At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Drs. Tommy and Liz Gladnick specialize in repairing dental fractures with advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures — and lots of care!
Common Causes of Dental Breakage in Rockville
Dental breakage occurs for several reasons, from accidental injuries to gradual wear and tear. Some of the most common causes of weakened tooth structure include sports-related trauma, grinding your teeth at night (or “bruxism”), untreated decay, and chewing/biting down on hard substances like ice, hard candy, or pen caps.
When a tooth fractures or breaks, it’s important to seek out professional care at once. This allows your dentist and their team to thoroughly assess the severity of the damage and create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific functionality and aesthetic needs. Here’s what you need to know about repairing broken teeth in Rockville.
Regardless of the cause, addressing the damage promptly is important to avoid further complications.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Leaving a chipped or broken tooth untreated can lead to a variety of potentially serious dental issues. Cracks and fractures create entry points for bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and decay. Once a tooth’s internal “pulp” becomes damaged or infected, it can result in severe, unrelenting pain.
Over time, this can compromise the tooth’s structural integrity and necessitate root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Seeking treatment early lowers the risk of further damage while ensuring a more comfortable and effective restoration process.
Dental Bonding for Minor Damage
For minor chips and cracks, dental bonding offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution. This procedure uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill in or reshape the damaged area. The resin, which is shaded to match your natural teeth, ensures a seamless and natural-looking result. Dental bonding is minimally invasive and typically doesn’t require anesthesia. Though dental bonding material isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel, it is an excellent and durable choice for minor cosmetic repairs, lasting up to ten years with proper care.
Porcelain Veneers for a Polished Finish
If the damage is more significant or you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution, porcelain veneers may be the ideal choice. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surfaces of teeth, concealing chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, and other imperfections.
Although the veneer placement procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel, the results are durable and aesthetically pleasing. With proper care, veneers can last for 15 to 20 years before requiring replacement. It is worth noting, however, that habits like excessive teeth grinding can significantly impact veneers’ longevity.
Dental Crowns for Severe Damage
In cases where a tooth’s structure is severely damaged or weakened, a dental crown can be the best option. Crowns fully encase damaged teeth, providing protection, stability, and a natural appearance. These custom-made restorations (typically of porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination) are highly durable and can withstand the pressures of normal chewing. A crown not only restores the function of your tooth but also prevents further fractures or damage.
Addressing More Serious Cases
If the damage extends to the pulp or root of the tooth, additional procedures, such as root canal treatment, may be necessary. This involves removing infected tissue, cleaning the tooth’s interior, and sealing it to prevent further issues. In more severe instances, if the tooth is beyond saving, a dental extraction may be required.
After an extraction, the vacated spot in the jaw must be addressed to restore smile aesthetics and bit strength, prevent misalignment among remaining teeth, and preserve jawbone integrity and facial structure. In these cases, dental implants offer an excellent, long-lasting solution for replacing the missing tooth. Implants mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, preserving jawbone health and providing a long-lasting restoration. By addressing the damage comprehensively, dental implants ensure a return to a fully functional and beautiful smile!
A Rockville Dental Practice Dedicated to Your Strong, Healthy Smile
If you’re in the Rockville area and want an experienced and skilled dental team to help guide you through the crucial stages of treatment following dental fractures or breakage, however severe, contact Drs. Liz and Thomas B. Gladnick and the outstanding Gladnick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!
