A tooth may fracture after trauma, chewing hard foods, or teeth grinding. An untreated tooth fracture causes pain, especially when eating or after taking very cold or hot drinks. It may also lead to infections and tooth loss. 

Fortunately, you can get relief from the discomfort of a fractured tooth and restore your smile. You only need to visit a dentist who will examine you and recommend the most suitable treatment method depending on the extent and location of the fracture. 

Below are some common fractured tooth remediation options. 

Crown

Placing a crown on a tooth is a fractured tooth remediation option that works best for fractures that have not gone beyond the gum line. A crown will prevent the crack from worsening and restore a tooth's shape, color, and function. 

During the crown placement procedure, the dentist scrapes off some tooth enamel for the crown to fit properly. After that, they take the impression of your tooth, either with a digital scan or a mold. They then send it to a lab to make your customized crown. 

When your crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary one and replaces it with the custom-made one.

Dental Veneer

Although dental veneers are mainly used for improving teeth aesthetics, they are also effective in repairing minor fractures. Your dentist will place and bond the veneers to the front surface of the tooth.

The procedure of placing dental veneers is similar to that of crowns. The only difference is that a crown covers the entire tooth, while veneers cover the front part of your tooth. 

Root Canal

A root canal is an effective fractured tooth remediation option for fractures extending into the pulp. The procedure involves removing the damaged parts using specialized files and sealing them with a rubber-like material. The dentist may also place a crown on the tooth to protect it and restore its function. 

Tooth Extraction

If a fracture extends to the root of a tooth or has fractured into two halves, it's impossible to treat it. The only option is to extract it. 

During a tooth extraction, a dentist numbs the affected area, then uses specialized equipment to get the tooth out of its socket. 

Although tooth extraction offers relief from tooth fracture discomfort, many people dread it as it leaves gaps in the mouth. However, you don't have to live with a tooth gap. You can talk to your dentist and get a dental implant to replace the lost tooth. Implants function just like natural teeth; you can chew and brush normally while having them.

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