Broken teeth should always provoke a visit to a dentist. Smilemakers Southampton dental clinic offers a number of ways to repair and restore broken or otherwise damaged teeth.
You should remember that even a small crack or chip is enough to allow bacteria into your tooth, which can result in a nasty infection, a painful dental abscess, and the need for root canal treatment. This can be avoided by visiting your dentist promptly after even a tiny amount of damage occurs, to have your tooth repaired and to check there are no early signs of infection.
Southampton tooth restoration options
We offer a number of tooth repair and restoration options at Smilemakers in Southampton. The ideal solution for your broken tooth will depend upon a number of factors, including the nature and extent of the damage, the location of the tooth, and your personal treatment preferences.
When you come into our Southampton clinic your dentist will examine your tooth and may take x-rays to check there is no additional damage beneath the gum line. They will then talk you through the various ways your tooth can be repaired.
Composite bonding
This is a popular option for damage to the front teeth, such as a chip after a trip or fall. It involves the use of tooth-coloured composite material – the same material that we use for white fillings – to rebuild and restore the damaged tooth. Your Southampton dentist will be sure to match the colour of the composite material to the natural shade of your tooth.
Fillings
Fillings are often used to repair damaged back teeth. If decay has caused the damage, this will be removed and your dentist will then fill the tooth. Either metal amalgam or white fillings can be used, depending on your preference.
Inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain and created using the special CEREC machine at our Southampton practice. They are stronger than regular fillings and are often considered a half-step between a filling and a crown. Inlays and onlays are a good option when there is insufficient tooth structure to support a standard filling.
