Breaking a tooth can be a shocking experience. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can be painful and/or scary. In most situations, it is a good idea to get into see your dentist as soon as possible. If you are in Sheridan, WY, your dental team at Grinnell Street Dental can be there for your smile’s needs. The next steps for your smile will depend on the tooth and the damage. Some damage may only affect the surface and require a cosmetic solution. Some breakage can be a severe threat to the health of the tooth. 

Surface Solutions

If the tooth breakage only affects the surface, it may just be a small chip or crack. In these situations, a cosmetic solution is often enough to fix the tooth. Dental bonding is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. The bonding material can be directly applied to a tooth to restore a small chip or a crack. Doing so can protect the tooth against further breakage or even from bacteria that may enter the crack. Porcelain veneers can also be used to cover the front of a tooth to provide a natural-looking appearance.

Restoring Further Damage

If breakage goes beyond the enamel of a tooth, the tooth is in danger. It becomes vulnerable to bacterial attacks and further breakage. It may be painful depending on how deep within the tooth the damage is. In some cases, a root canal treatment may be the way to disinfect the tooth and restore it with a dental crown. In some severe cases, if the breakage is so severe, there may not be enough tooth to restore. In these situations, an extraction of what is left of the tooth may become necessary for the health of the smile. A dental implant can replace the tooth.

It is important to deal with a broken tooth

A broken tooth can be vulnerable to decay and further damage. To schedule a consultation with Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, call (307) 672-7567. Along with residents of Sheridan, we also proudly serve the residents of Gillette, Billings, Miles City, and all surrounding communities.