If you break a tooth or multiple teeth, an emergency dentist should be called right away. Some dentists will offer same day emergency appointments, since they understand how stressful and traumatic tooth breakages can be.
There are a few steps you take to avoid breaking your teeth, such as asking your dentist to create a custom-fit mouthguard for you for playing sports, for example. Even with the most thought-out plans however, accidents can still happen.
Depending on the nature of the breakage, it may be possible for your dentist to bond the fragments of your tooth back together. This will involve using a composite material, which is that same substance used for white fillings. If you have the broken pieces of tooth, bring them along to your dental clinic with you.
You will still have a number of options available to you even if your broken tooth can’t be mended back together. The best course of treatment will be determined by various factors, including:
- The extent of the damage.
- The location of the tooth.
- Why the breakage occurred in the first place.
Tooth restoration options
Composite bonding
Your dentist may be able to use tooth-coloured composite materials to rebuild your broken teeth. After smoothing down any rough edges, composite material will be chosen in a shade which matches your natural teeth as closely as possible.
White fillings
If decay has contributed to your tooth breakage at all, your dentist may choose to use white filling material to restore it, after removing all the areas of decay first. This material is notoriously strong and durable, and will blend in nicely with the natural colour of your teeth.
Porcelain inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are like a half-step between a filling and a crown, and they are an excellent option if your teeth are in need of some extra strength. Inlays will sit in tooth cavities, whilst onlays will cover them.
Crowns
Tooth-coloured crowns are used when a tooth has suffered irreplaceable damage, and additional reinforcement is required. Crowns require some preparation of the tooth, and you will need at least 2 appointments to fit them.
