A fractured, chipped, or broken tooth occurs when patients have a crack in the tooth. Some cracks may appear small, but others may cause a break or split within the tooth structure. Most people can suffer a tooth break, but the most common demographics include children and older adults. To fix the tooth, some patients may receive a filling.
When patients break or chip their teeth, they generally want a solution as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are various ways to fix broken teeth. One of the most common ways is through the use of fillings.
Teeth can become fractured in various ways. Even patients who put forth a maximum effort to keep their teeth healthy may struggle with fractures and chips because of blunt force. Chips may occur due to car accidents or sporting events but also during mealtime. Hard foods and other objects easily chip the teeth.
Chipped teeth may bother a patient for cosmetic reasons, or the patient may acquire complications due to the crack. One consequence of chipped teeth is lacerations to the tongue. A broken tooth can leave an area sharp or jagged and may cut the tongue or inside of a patient's cheek.
Additionally, chips may expose nerves. Patients may find themselves sensitive to pressure and sensitivity. Drinking cold or hot beverages, for example, may cause shooting pain from root to tooth. When chips are serious, they can expose the tooth's inner structure and leave the teeth open to cavities, infections, and abscesses.
When patients do not seek dental help for a chipped tooth, it can cause the break to worsen. Chips and fractures weaken the structure of the tooth and can cause a severe break. Simple chewing can escalate the break into something more challenging to fix.
When it comes to broken teeth, most patients opt for composite fillings because they are not visible. Traditional amalgam fillings are metal and tend to be less suited for fixing cracked or chipped teeth. Composite fillings use a strong material that dentists can stain to match the patient's teeth. Before hardening the filling, the dentist can mold the filling to fit into cracks or replace chips.
Before placing the filling, dentists perform exams on the teeth to check for further damage. When applying the material, dentists match the shape of the tooth. After applying the material and ensuring it matches the tooth, the dentist uses a special light to harden the filling. Most composite fillings last for about seven years.
When patients have broken teeth, they should receive dental care as soon as possible to avoid any complications. Severe breaks, infections, and abscesses can occur when left untreated. Often, dentists can use fillings to help repair the broken tooth. When choosing fillings, most patients opt for composite to match the shape and color of their natural teeth.
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