Broken Teeth
Broken Teeth Treatment in Doncaster East
Cracked & Chipped Teeth
Broken teeth are teeth that are chipped and/or cracked. They may have no other symptoms at all, or symptoms ranging from sensitivity and mild discomfort through to soreness or pain. They can also trap food between teeth, or leave sharp edges that rub or cut the cheek or tongue. Left untreated, further damage can lead to more severe symptoms, complicate the treatment options, and mean higher costs and a less favourable outcome.
- Tooth decay, which can silently damage and destroy enamel until the weakened tooth breaks.
- Fillings, which only replace some of the strength of natural enamel — the remaining enamel is weaker, so over time cracks can develop and lead to chipping and cracking.
- Grinding or clenching (parafunctional habits), which exert strong forces on the teeth.
- Accidents — sporting knocks, unexpectedly biting onto something hard, or work and domestic incidents.
Tooth decay is preventable, and if it has already started it needs to be identified as early as possible at a dental examination and treated, to minimise the weakening of the remaining tooth structure. Prevention revolves around thorough cleaning of the teeth and good food choices.
Grinding and clenching can be countered by wearing a protective splint. Anyone playing certain sports should consider a professionally made mouthguard and wear it during competition and training.
Minor breaks may be repaired with regular fillings. Major breaks, or breaks associated with existing fillings, need to be assessed to determine how much tooth structure remains — sometimes another filling is appropriate, other times a crown or onlay/overlay is required.
Unfortunately, a break may occasionally be so severe that it is not possible to save the tooth.
