Teeth can break as a result of an accident, injury, or as a result of decay. Unless your tooth breaks as a result of a painful traumatic injury, you may not even know that you have a broken tooth, especially if the tooth is molar or not visible when you smile or talk. Even if your broken tooth does not hurt or cause any other symptoms (asymptomatic), it is still important to seek dental care. Here are interventions dentists recommend for broken teeth to help keep your mouth healthy.

Antibacterial Rinses

Brushing and flossing may not be enough to prevent a pulp infection as a result of your broken tooth. The pulp is located in the middle of your tooth and when it becomes exposed as a result of enamel erosion or a broken tooth, it becomes vulnerable to infection.

Your dentist may prescribe a special antimicrobial rinse for you to use after you brush your teeth to help deep clean the inside of the broken tooth and decrease the bacterial count of the tooth. This will help prevent a pulp infection known as an abscess. If you develop an abscessed tooth despite using the antimicrobial mouthwash, you may need to take oral antibiotics. While antibacterial mouthwashes can help prevent infections, you will still need to get your tooth repaired because its jagged edges may pose an injury risk to the soft tissues inside your mouth.

Dental Bonding

The bonding process involves repairing the broken tooth with a composite material that is applied to the tooth and shaped and then cured with ultraviolet light so that it hardens and gets strong. The entire bonding process can be completed in a single dental appointment and it is typically more cost-effective than dental implants or porcelain veneers. With proper care, your bonded tooth can last for years.

Your bonded tooth will look natural and blend in with your other teeth. The color of your bonding material will be closely matched to that of your natural teeth, and in addition to repairing broken teeth, bonding is also an excellent cosmetic treatment option for tooth discoloration caused by injuries, certain medications, and as a result of congenital dental conditions.

If you break a tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible. Early dental intervention will help ensure that your tooth can be saved with conservative treatment options. It is important to note that while seeking prompt dental care may help you avoid extraction, if the broken tooth has sustained extensive damage, your dentist may recommend pulling the tooth and replacing it with a single dental implant. 

For more info, contact a local dentist.