Four Ways a Dentist in Surrey Can Repair a Broken Tooth

Unfortunately, cracked or broken teeth are a common dental emergency that can strike anyone at any time. Sometimes a broken or cracked tooth can be purely accidental, like in the case of trauma, but other times tooth damage can be the result of poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, or habits such as grinding your teeth.   

Fortunately, no matter the cause of your tooth damage, your dentist has a solution. Modern dentistry practices in Surrey offer patients a range of treatment options to repair cracked or broken teeth and restore their smiles.  

Here are the most common techniques dentists in Surrey use to repair broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. 

Dental Bonding 

If your tooth crack or break is minor, dental bonding can be an easy and affordable solution. Dental bonding is a simple procedure using a resin material to repair the affected tooth. Your dentist will apply a coloured-matched resin to the affected tooth, shape it to match the natural tooth, and harden it with a special light.  

This type of repair is ideal for repairing small cracks or chips; however, dental bonding is less permanent than other fixes, and the bond between the resin and the natural tooth can be fragile.  

Dental Crowns 

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for more severe cracks or breaks. A dental crown is a cap generally made from porcelain covering the entire tooth. Custom fabricated and colour matched to the rest of your natural teeth, a dental crown not only looks and feels like a natural tooth but also acts as one, restoring the shape, structure, and strength of your damaged tooth.   

Fitting a crown is a straightforward procedure but requires at least two visits to your dentist. During the first appointment, a tooth mould will be taken and used to prepare the crown. Once the crown is ready, you’ll return it to your dentist, who they will remove decayed or damaged parts of the tooth, shape it to fit the crown and place the crown over the tooth. Dental crowns as extremely strong and very durable. Cared for correctly, your dental crown can last you up to 15 years before needing replacement.  

Dental Implants 

In cases where a tooth cannot be repaired, a dental implant might be the right course of action. Rather than fixing the damaged tooth, the tooth will be removed and replaced with a dental implant, a two-part system consisting of a surgically implanted titanium post and a crown.  

The dental implant procedure progresses in stages. First, the affected tooth is removed (if required). Depending on the condition of the site, it may be possible to place the titanium implant at the same time as the extraction; if not, a second appointment will be required. Once the implant site has healed and the post has properly fused with the bone, your Surrey dentist will attach the abutment and the crown.  

Dental implants are a very popular option for tooth replacement because they are durable, long-lasting, and easy to care for. 

Dental Veneers 

Dental veneers may be an option for minor cracks or chips on the front teeth. Similar in concept to a crown, veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain or resin-composite shells placed over the front of the damaged tooth to help restore its appearance. However, unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is simply bonded to the front of the tooth.   

Veneers provide a natural, uniform tooth repair option, but they are typically not suitable in cases where the tooth is significantly damaged. Veneers are, however, a popular choice for cosmetic dental issues. 

Cracked or broken teeth can understandably be a major source of discomfort and embarrassment. New Smile Dental is your dentist in Surrey that has the solution, with tooth repair or replacement options that will allow you to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for many years to come.