About

Dr. Pham received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry, Houston in 1998. She is a member of ADA (American Dental Association), Greater Houston Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Nursing a Half-Broken Tooth: Crowns, Bridges and Other Treatments

 
Dental crowns are designed to restore the size, shape, and strength of teeth broken or damaged in some way. When properly placed, dental crowns and bridges, which are used to fill gaps from missing teeth, will result in teeth that appear and function like normal teeth.

What May Cause a Half-Broken Tooth?

A partially broken tooth can be caused by a traumatic impact such as falling off a bike or skateboard. Eating something tough or hard may also cause a tooth to break; as could a previous fracture that was never detected.

First 24-Hours with a Half-Broken Tooth

Until you can see a dentist, there are steps you can take within the first 24-hours of experiencing a partially broken tooth. If you are experiencing severe pain, seek urgent care, otherwise follow these simple steps for some relief:

• Rinse with warm water
• Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding
• Apply ice over area next to the broken tooth
• Use temporary dental cement from your local drugstore to cover the remaining part of the tooth

Treatment Options


A dentist might tell you that undergoing a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove an exposed nerve. On the other hand, if multiple adjacent teeth are damaged or missing, a bridge may be recommended. Be sure to tell your dentist the symptoms or any discomfort you might be feeling to help him or her make an accurate assessment.

Treating Half-Broken Teeth in Children

For children, a temporary dental crown may be used to protect baby teeth until they are naturally replaced. A crown may also be recommended for children to reduce use of anesthesia.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with broken or damaged teeth. Your first step should be to see a dentist in Houston, TX to determine the extent of the damage to your half-broken tooth. While crowns and bridges are a common solution, alternative remedies may be recommended for your situation.

 
Sources:

Fractured And Broken Teeth, colgate.com
Dental Crowns, webmd.com


No comments:

Post a Comment