Why did a piece of my tooth break off?
Why you? Why your teeth? The answer is not fair. Some of use are just genetically prone to gum disease or infection. Teeth breakage begins with minor abrasions, small fractures in the enamel, and eventually enough tissue is lost that the tooth cracks and breaks. The teeth you see in your mouth are only part of the tooth support structure, they go down into the roots and are anchored by your jaw and gums.
What caused the broken tooth?
It could have begun as a trauma. Did something happen that caused you to bite down and crack your tooth? Did you feel a sharp sensitivity in recent times? Were you hit in the face with a frisbee that injured your jaw? The reasons behind trauma can be endless, but it is very common and you should ask yourself if there is any evidence you can trace back to.
It could also be related to infection or disease. Infection and disease are the leading causes of tooth damage. Gum disease can be a result of infection, or it can be inherited genetically. Ask your family members if they have any history of gum disease.
Infection can be traced back to dental hygiene. When you practice proper dental hygiene, you safely remove food and organic materials from in between your teeth. By doing so, you limit the ability for bacteria to fester, grow, and inflame the support structure of your teeth. Dental hygiene is a routine, it requires activity every single day, frequently after meals. If your infection or tooth breakage is a result of poor hygiene, do not feel bad about it. It’s a work in progress, just replace the tooth and try to be more fastidious to avoid problems in the future.
Replacing broken teeth
If you experience a broken tooth, you need to take quick action to replace it. Living without missing teeth often leads to greater tooth loss. Without teeth, areas of your jaw are exposed to the tremendous ergonomic force that is exerted by chewing and eating. Over time this leads to increased spacing between teeth. It can also cause your teeth to lose structure and break or fall out.
Great teeth replacement options are
* Crowns- Dental crowns can be attached to supportive root structure. They function and look just like original teeth, but are often made of sturdier material.
* Implants- Dental Implants are inserted into the jaw surgically, using a dental implant anchor. They are the most durable tooth replacement option. Because of the surgical implantation, they may require some tooth material if your tooth was only partially broken.
* Composite- Oftentimes in a single session, and Dentist can attached a composite resin to the surface of a broken or fractured tooth. The composite hardens after it is set, and can be used just like your original tooth.
All teeth replacement options still require adequate dental hygiene. After your consultation for tooth replacement, ask your dentist for a through cleaning and an appointment with a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists will be able to recommend healthy hygiene routines to help you care for your teeth, old and new.