Our teeth are coated in tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, which acts as a protective layer. However, despite the strength of this layer, you can still damage it with a sports injury or even by biting down on a hard piece of food. In addition, poor oral hygiene can weaken the layer over time, making damage more likely. Can you fix a broken tooth?
Try Our Quiz on Fixing Broken Teeth
- True or False: Without repair, a damaged tooth can lead to decay and infection.
- True or False: We can often fix the problem in one visit with dental bonding.
- True or False: Lifelike crowns can restore damaged teeth.
- True or False: Veneers can mask minor chips.
Answer Key
- True. When a tooth becomes chipped or broken, the inner dentin is exposed to harmful bacteria. Soon, a cavity can form and without treatment, an infection can develop when the cavity grows and reaches the inner pulp, leading to a serious discomfort and a greater risk of adult tooth loss.
- True. Dental bonding involves removing decay and placing the same composite resin we use for dental fillings. We can then repair damaged teeth, preventing the onset of decay and ensuring your tooth continues to look natural
- True. Should the damage be severe, then bonding may not be enough to adequately repair the tooth. We can then create and place a custom-made dental crown from lifelike materials. With CEREC technology, we use a CAD/CAM system to design and craft the restoration in a single visit.
- True. A veneer is a thin shell made from the same material we create our crowns with. We place it on the tooth, where it covers the front and sides. We can then repair a chipped tooth.
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.