Can you repair teeth?

There are several things which can cause teeth to crack or chip. These include large fillings that weaken the tooth, biting or chewing on something hard such as a fruit stone, bone or boiled sweet, root fractures caused by gum disease, tooth grinding or even a sudden change of the temperature within your mouth.

The symptoms for a cracked tooth can vary and they are sometimes difficult to identify. If it hurts when you chew or bite this could indicate a cracked tooth. Extreme hot or cold temperatures and dramatic temperature changes in the mouth may cause discomfort. You may also be sensitive when eating sweet things but there is no sign of tooth decay.

It is important that cracked and chipped teeth are treated as they can lead to the death of the nerve or an abscess might develop. This could lead to root canal treatment and in extreme cases where a tooth splits, an extraction.

Fortunately there are various solutions which can be provided by your dentist:

The type of treatment depends on the amount of damage to the tooth. Ask your dental team what is the best treatment for you:

What options are their to repair teeth at FHDC

There are various dental procedures available to repair teeth depending on the specific dental issue. Here are some common dental treatments …

Dental Fillings: Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or cavities. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and a filling material, such as dental composite composite or amalgam is used to restore the tooth structure and function.

Composite Bonding: Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth colour matched composite resin material to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. The resin is bonded to the tooth surface and is shaped to match the natural tooth.

Dental Crowns: Dental crowns which are sometimes known as tooth caps can be used to repair severely damaged or weakened teeth. A dental crown crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. This provides strength, protection and also it can be more aesthetic. Crowns are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these dental materials.

Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They are used to correct the appearance of stained, chipped, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. This can help provide a natural appearance.

Endodontics: (or root canal treatment) may be necessary to repair and save the tooth when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged. During the treatment, infected pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned, filled, and sealed. A dental crown is often placed on the treated tooth to strengthen and protect it.

Dentures and Partial Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth or a full mouth arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

What is composite bonding

This is where a special synthetic resin is used to fill the crack. It can easily repair a small chip off the biting edge of the tooth and can be used by your dentist to reshape your tooth.

Contouring

If the tooth has only a minor chip the rough edges can be rounded and polished to blend away the crack. Sometimes a small amount of composite filling is used to help restore the tooth’s shape.

What are veneers

A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain material which is individually created to fit over the front surface of the tooth.

What are Crowns

When a tooth is not suitable for a veneer a dental crown can be created to fit over what is left of the tooth. This supports the tooth and looks like a natural tooth. If the nerve of the tooth has been damaged or infected you may have to have root canal treatment.

Benefits of repairing chipped or cracked teeth

Avoid having a gap if the tooth was extracted
It can be cost effective to opt for a repair instead of a replacement
Cosmetic repairs can be carried out so the took looks natural
Less intrusive than dental implants

FAQ’s

The crack didn’t show on my x-ray?

This is not unusual because the x-ray beam must be parallel to the crack before it can penetrate it and show up when developed. Your dentist may use magnifying glasses (loops) or a bright light to help find the crack. A dye can also be painted onto the tooth to help identify the line of the crack.

Will a cracked or chipped tooth heal by itself?

The straight answer is no. Unlike broken bones which can heal themselves, teeth do not. A repaired tooth can last for many years if it is looked after.

Get in touch

To discuss how Far Headingley Dental Care can help you repair teeth, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call our practice on 0113 275 1323 during normal office hours. To register as a new patient click here.