Nov
A broken tooth can happen due to trauma. Some patients may break a tooth due to eating something extremely hard that chips the enamel. Others may experience breakage from trauma to the mouth. However the broken tooth occurs, it is important for Charlotte area patients to have it examined as soon as possible to ensure that the dental pulp within the tooth has not been affected—this can result in more damage that may require permanent extraction. Dr. Carl McMillan of Cary and Cornelius Holistic Dental Centers can examine the smile when a broken tooth occurs and suggest appropriate treatment options.
As long as the tooth has not broken deep into the dental pulp, patients have several options available to them for repair.
Dental crowns are porcelain restorations that are bonded over the top of a tooth and cover all sides for protection. This repair provides the most coverage, and may be better suited for teeth near the back of the mouth which need further protection from biting and chewing forces.
If the break is more cosmetic, patients may benefit from the placement of a porcelain veneer over the front of their tooth. A veneer is a facing that is custom made and bonded to a tooth to disguise imperfections. Veneers are known for lasting many years before replacement is necessary and can provide natural, attractive results.
Another option for patients who do not want the expense of porcelain restorations is that of composite resin bonding. This is a clay-like material that Dr. Carl McMillan of the Cary and Cornelius Holistic Dental Centers apply to the tooth, shape in place, harden with a special light, and then polish down to blend in with the natural tooth enamel.
Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and composite resin bonding are all repairs available at our practice. Patients in the Charlotte community who are interested in visiting one of our Holistic Dental Centers are welcome to contact Dr. Carl McMillan to book a consultation visit.