It is a known fact that teeth are one of the strongest and hardest organs of the body. They do not break off easily. However, if they do, you must schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a cracked tooth as it is can lead to serious oral health problems. Want to know how to fix a half-broken molar tooth? Read to find your answer.
How does a molar tooth break?
There are various reasons why your molar tooth can break into halves, a few of which are
- trauma
- biting something extremely hard like candy or ice
- ripping clothing off
- hit on the face
- untreated cavities that ultimately break the molar tooth
- grinding or clenching
- fillings
How to take care of a half-broken molar tooth
It is best to set an appointment with the dentist immediately. Until then, here are a few things that you can do for self-care
- First and foremost, start rinsing your mouth with salt water to reduce the risk of infection in the broken molar tooth.
- It is advised to take OTC painkillers like acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Cover it up with sugarless gum or wax material if the edge of the half-broken molar tooth is sharp. This layer will protect your cheek and tongue from cuts.
- Refrain from eating hard foods and make sure to chew from the other side of the mouth.
- In case of redness and swelling, use a cold compress made from ice.
- If there is bleeding, take gauze and apply pressure on the half-broken tooth or its surrounding area until it stops.
- Steer clear from extreme temperature, either hot or cold food or beverages.
Treatment options available
Choice of treatment for the half-broken molar tooth depends on the severity of the damage. Here are a few options.
Dental Bonding
This works best in scenarios where the damage is minimal. A small piece of broken tooth can be repaired with the help of a composite resin. The dentist in this procedure first makes the surface rough using a gel or liquid to make the bonding material stick to it. Next, an adhesive is applied, following the tooth-colored resin.
The teeth look natural after shaping. Finally, the tooth is hardened using ultraviolet rays.
Dental crown
If half or more than half of the molar tooth is broken, then the dentist can cover it up with a crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that protects the matter beneath it. They are made from multiple materials such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, the metal itself, or ceramic.
Every material has its pros and cons; metal is the strongest but looks dingy. On the other hand, porcelain and resin crowns look exactly like a natural tooth. This is the reason why they are the most popular choice.
Root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is best suited for a tooth that is broken enough to expose the pulp. A pulp is the center which contains all the tooth nerves and vessels. Bacteria can easily reach the inner layer causing sensitivity.
If you are ever in such a situation, reach out to Smile Time Dental. Experts of the mouth are here for your help. Call now at 281-245-0711 for more details.