Ask a General Dentist: Do I Need a Bridge or a Crown for My Broken Tooth?

If you have a broken tooth, you should visit the dental office as soon as possible. If you ignore the problem, the tooth could end up being damaged further or may become infected. If you are not careful you can even end up losing the tooth. Seeking treatment early is always recommended.

Broken tooth repair

A fall, trip, blow to the mouth or biting on a hard object can cause a tooth to break. Sometimes, teeth are damaged due to poor oral health or wear and tear. The type of broken tooth repair necessary may depend on the degree of damage the tooth has sustained. Some common treatment options for a broken tooth include a bridge and a crown.

Dental crowns and bridges

A broken tooth is just like a chipped tooth, but it is often more severe. Sometimes, a large piece of the tooth can break off or the tooth may crack. In extreme cases, the dentist may have to remove the tooth to prevent further damage and minimize the risk of infection. If the tooth has been removed due to a severe break, it can be replaced with a bridge and crown. This can help to restore a patient’s smile. But in less extreme cases, a dental crown would be more suitable.

A dental crown is used to cover the damaged tooth and to protect it. Besides strengthening the tooth, it can also help improve its appearance. Bridges are commonly used to replace lost teeth. This dental restoration fills the space where the teeth are missing. A dental provider can cement the bridge to the natural teeth or dental implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, referred to as abutments, will serve as anchors for the dental restoration. A pontic, which is the replacement tooth, will then be attached to the crowns that are placed over the abutments.

How bridges and crowns are made

Before either the bridge or dental crown can be made, the tooth or teeth have to be reduced in size. This is to ensure that the bridge or crown can fit properly. The dentist will then take an impression that will be able to provide the mold for the bridge or crown. The impression will then be used to make the crown or bridge in the dental lab. A temporary bridge or crown may then be placed over the prepared tooth. When the permanent bridge or crown is ready, the temporary bridge or crown will be removed. The new crown or bridge will then be cemented over the prepared tooth or teeth.

Takeaway

The dentist will determine the most appropriate method to fix a broken tooth depending on the amount of damage. If the tooth is extracted, replacing the tooth with a bridge and crown might be considered. A dentist may suggest a crown if the degree of damage is less severe. Your dentist is highly trained and can determine the best treatment option for your broken tooth. If you want to find out more about effective ways to treat a broken tooth, contact your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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