
Jul
Having a broken tooth is not fun and is not part of anyone’s plan. A fractured, chipped, or cracked tooth not only detracts from your smile’s appearance, but also can cause cuts inside the mouth, pain, and problems eating or speaking. Depending on the depth of the problem, there may be more than one solution on how to repair a broken tooth. Patients in Cheviot can turn to Drs. Jesal Patel and Shawn Dornhecker who have office locations in Fairfield and Bridgetown.
Even with the best intentions, the unexpected can occur. Trauma can happen to an otherwise healthy smile. From a sports injury to breaking a tooth while eating, damage can occur at any time. The most common ways teeth may break include:
Chances are your broken tooth will not occur when you already have a dental visit planned. When an emergency strikes, remain calm and contact the dentist. The injury needs to be handled properly for a positive outcome. When you chip or break a tooth, cleanse it by rinsing the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If needed, an oral pain reliever may help minimize discomfort, but do not place it on the tooth or gums.
Once you arrive at the office, your dental team assesses the damage to the teeth and gums. A treatment plan is devised depending on the damage that has occurred. A broken tooth and a cracked tooth are different problems with different solutions. A broken tooth may include a broken cusp, severe breaks, small chips, or breaks from decay. The type of break determines the treatment options.
A cracked tooth is split without any part of the tooth actually breaking off. The tooth may crack above or below the gumline. A tooth that only has a crack in the crown, which is the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, may be treated with a filling or dental crown. However, if the crack extends below the gumline and into the root, the tooth can no longer be saved. A dental implant may be used to replace the tooth.
If you have broken a tooth, remember to stay calm and contact your dental professional. Your dental team will work with you to find a solution to save your smile. For more information on how to repair a broken tooth, contact Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry in Bridgetown at (513) 815-3188 or in Fairfield at (513) 815-3166.
Dr. Jesal A. Patel and Dr. Shawn Dornhecker run a successful dental practice in their home state of Ohio. Both doctors attended the Miami University for Microbiology in Oxford, Ohio and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. The wife-husband duo brings together a wealth of experience while working with children, adults, and veterans during their residency at The Medical College of Ohio.
Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry has two offices in Bridgetown and Fairfield. The team at the clinic strives to serve with the best quality care to their patients using the latest technology. They strongly believe in working with local businesses in Ohio to empower the local community.