Broken Tooth and Infection
Broken teeth can cause a lot of aches and pains for patients. A broken tooth can be a single source of pain, but quickly it can spread into an infection, causing shooting pain across the jaw. Broken teeth leave an area of your mouth exposed to food and bacteria, which can lead to infection. Infection is a big concern when it comes to dental health, and can lead to more broken or missing teeth.
What causes broken teeth?
The largest cause is infection, which is exactly what you want to avoid. Infection is primarily due to poor hygiene. Without proper dental care routines food and organic material will attach to your teeth or become lodged in between them. This material hardens and forms a substance called plaque, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria gathers, enters your gumline, and works its way into your blood and tissues. Infection can make you sick, give you a fever, cause blood or pus to discharge from your gums, or degrade the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
Gum disease can also cause broken teeth or tooth loss. Gum disease can lead to weakening of the jawbone or gums that support your teeth. They can also cause cavities, holes which worsen and work their way into your teeth, causing fractures that crack.
Sometimes you may fall, or be struck with something that causes your teeth to break. This is called trauma, and you should see a dentist right away. Although the problem may seem resolved, underlying damage to your jaw is not uncommon. You should monitor the damage with your dentist, it may take months before the extent of damage from trauma is clear.
How to replace a broken tooth
The method to fix your tooth will depend on the extent of the break. Your teeth have layers, like enamel and dentin, which offer different functions to the strength of your teeth. It will also depend on what caused the broken tooth originally. You will want an option which replaces the tooth structure, but is also conducive to recovery.
Make an appointment and discuss replacement options
Meet with your dental care professional to ask about replacement options. Make sure they examine your mouth comprehensively, so you both know what options are going to be best.
* Crowns- Crowns are used to replace the portion of your tooth above the gumline. They can be shaped to look like an original tooth. You can also select materials which are layered with aesthetic, pearly white, materials.
* Implants- Implants are an excellent option if the root structure of your tooth is compromised, but your jaw is healthy. These are surgically anchored into your jaw, making them functional just like any other tooth.
* Bridges- Bridges are a great option to replace teeth in a row wherever there is health teeth on either side to attach (like your middle incisor).
Crowns, implants, bridges, and veneers are all excellent options to speak with your dentist about. There are a variety of materials to choose from and options to select. Make an appointment, and request x rays to survey the damage and health of your underlying jaw structure.