Teeth that are chipped, cracked, worn, or damaged in any way should be seen and evaluated by your dentist at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Worn chipped, and cracked teeth can be the sign of an underlying bite problem, also known as malocclusion. If not addressed, tooth damage can continue to occur, possibly leading to tooth loss over time.
Trained and experienced in the diagnosis of complex dental concerns and TMJ-related disorders, Dr. James Furgurson can identify the root cause of your worn or damaged teeth and make appropriate treatment recommendations to restore your long-term dental health with lasting results. Dr. Furgurson treats patients in his Chapel Hill, North Carolina dental office using comfortable and comprehensive dental solutions.
What Causes Worn and Broken Teeth?
Teeth can also become damaged from trauma and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further more complex damage or even tooth loss. Dr. Furgurson can fix damaged teeth quickly with treatment options such as dental fillings, tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns.
If you have a tooth or teeth that break repeatedly, even after treatment from a dentist, you might have an underlying bite problem. Dr. Furgurson can identify this type of dental concern and create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore your teeth to optimal health while preventing future damage.
Treatment For Worn and Broken Teeth
The first step when solving the problem of worn or broken teeth is a comprehensive evaluation of the teeth, gums, and jaw joints. It is critical to identify the underlying cause of the problem to ensure long-lasting results. Your treatment may include one or several procedures to establish a healthy, stable bite and repair cosmetic problems.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns cover damaged teeth like a cap and protect them from further wear and damage. Crowns can be made from reflective ceramic for a natural-looking end result.
- Porcelain veneers: Dental veneers cover the front and sides of teeth and are great for patients with chips on the front of their tooth enamel. Because we craft our veneers from porcelain ceramic, they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural smile.
- Dental fillings: Dental fillings are made of a composite resin that can fill the interior or crown of a tooth. Patients with deep wear on their teeth benefit from this treatment.
- Tooth bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment that uses a tooth-colored resin sculpted onto the affected tooth. The resin is cured and hardened to restore the tooth structure.
Worn and Broken Teeth FAQs
Can worn teeth heal?
Worn teeth can not “heal” on their own because tooth enamel does not grow back. Only a dentist can restore your worn teeth. Sometimes tooth wear is not instantly noticeable, so it is important to visit the dentist regularly for a dental exam.
What happens if a broken tooth goes untreated?
Cracks and breaks in teeth should be treated ASAP. Once your tooth has broken, it becomes drastically weaker and exposed areas become very sensitive. Your broken tooth will be much more prone to infection. It may cause pain, and you may lose the tooth if left untreated for an extended period of time.
Why are my teeth breaking into pieces?
The most common cause for teeth breaking is cavities. Cavities weaken teeth and make cracks and breaks much more likely. Having a misaligned bite may also cause your teeth to break and wear down faster than normal.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Restoring your smile not only supports your long-term oral health but boosts your confidence with improved aesthetics. If you have worn, chipped, or damaged teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Furgurson in our Durham area dental office.
Are you a new patient? Call Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 919.205.9308. Returning patients may call 919.251.9313. If you have any remaining questions about our treatment options, let our dentists know.