Cracked, fractured, or broken teeth can leave your smile looking unhealthy and unattractive. Most importantly, they can also have a negative impact on your oral health and function.

Dr. Sharon Mateja offers a wide range of restorative dentistry treatments for broken teeth at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA, practice. Prompt action can restore the appearance and health of your smile and reduce the risk of future problems. Here, we explore some of the most common procedures recommended when addressing broken teeth.

Dental Bonding

Mild chips and breaks can be addressed with dental bonding. During this procedure, Dr. Mateja applies a tooth-colored resin material to the affected tooth. After shaping the material, it is hardened with a special dental curing light, then polished to a natural-looking shine.

Generally, dental bonding lasts about five to seven years. Retreatment is necessary to maintain the best results.

Inlays or Onlays

Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are used for moderate fractures and areas of damage. An inlay is a custom restoration that lays between the cusps of the teeth. An onlay also includes at least one cusp. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit your unique dental anatomy. They are often recommended when damage is too severe for a filling but not extensive enough to warrant a crown.

First, the affected tooth is prepared. Any rough edges or damaged portions of the tooth are removed. Next, impressions are taken. These are then used to fabricate your new restoration. In most cases, inlay or onlay placement takes two office visits.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are typically recommended for moderate to severe dental fractures. These tooth-shaped caps add strength, resilience, and reinforcement to teeth that are weak, broken, or damaged. Like inlays and onlays, dental crowns are fabricated to fit your anatomy. These restorations can typically be placed in just two visits to our Rancho Cucamonga office.

During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared. Dr. Mateja removes small amounts of enamel, then takes impressions. The impressions are sent to our dental lab, where a technician begins fabricating your crown.

Once your new crown is made, we will schedule you for a second visit. At this time, Dr. Mateja bonds your restoration permanently into place.

Root Canal Therapy

When a crack or fracture extends all the way into the pulp of a tooth, it can lead to a root canal infection. When this occurs, root canal therapy is the only way to treat it. During this procedure, the inflamed tissues inside the tooth, including the blood vessels and nerves, are removed and replaced with a biocompatible filling material. This eliminates infection at its source and gives your tooth the best chance for long-term survival.

Extraction and Dental Implant

In some instances, a broken tooth may be so damaged that removing it is the only predictable option. If Dr. Mateja recommends an extraction, it is important to discuss teeth replacement options as well.

Dental implants are a popular restorative option because they replace the roots of missing teeth. Once healed, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures to complete your smile and reestablish oral function. Best of all, dental implants last decades, often a lifetime, with proper care.

Contact Our Practice to Learn More

Do you have a broken tooth? Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the problem from progressing. To learn more about treatments for broken teeth, schedule a consultation at our Rancho Cucamonga practice. Contact us online or call us at (909) 989-5959.