If I broke my tooth, will I need an emergency implant?

If you’ve ever had a broken tooth, you know that even the most minor chip can feel like an emergency. A 24 hour dentist can help you assess the damage and make a care plan for your tooth. Modern family dentistry has so many great ways to fix stained, chipped, and missing teeth. Here are a few of the options for chipped or broken teeth that a 24 hour dentist might discuss with you:

• Dental Veneers
  A dental veneer is a thin, wafer like chip that is bonded to the front of your tooth. Veneers are a great way to cover up small chips or stains, because they look and feel like your natural teeth. The best porcelain veneers will match your other teeth almost identically so it’s impossible to tell which teeth are damaged and which are natural.
  
  Since every smile is unique, it’s important to find the fit that will look natural and feel secure. Some 24 hour dentists may have access to lumineers, a type of veneer that is super thin and allows the natural enamel of your teeth to shine through a bit. Veneers typically last between 5 and 10 years before they debond and need to be replaced. This can be one of the fastest ways to cover up a broken front tooth, as long as the damage is not too severe.
  

• Crowns
  What if you broke a molar? If you cracked a tooth in the back of your mouth, you’ll need more than a veneer to keep that tooth functional. A dental crown will cover a tooth after a root canal or as a preventative measure if your tooth seems compromised and at risk of cracking. In these cases, the dentist office may take a mold of your tooth, give you a temporary crown, and create a permanent crown to be fitted at a later appointment.
  
  If you’ve already cracked the tooth, a 24 hour dentists may be able to repair the damaged tooth in a single visit with the use cerec crowns. This method uses computer scanning to get an exact picture of the damaged tooth and the surrounding area. The crown is then carved from a single block of resin or ceramic to make an exact digital fit for your teeth. This can be a great option for a cracked molar that you didn’t plan for–and who ever plans for a cracked molar?
  

• Dental Implants
  Now, it may be the case that your tooth is more seriously damaged than a crown or a veneer can handle. If you’ve suffered serious damage to your jaw or the root of the tooth, you may be a candidate for a dental implant. The trouble is that the root of your tooth actually keeps your jawbone healthy and intact. Without that tooth, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which is entirely painless but will certainly create more dental issues further down the line.
  
  Scientific research has found dental implants to be 98% successful. Whether you need to replace one tooth, or several, dental implants are a very safe and comfortable return to your natural smile. Of course, this surgery is a little more involved than bonding a veneer to a tooth, so it won’t be taken care of in an emergency dentist visit. A 24 hour dentist can start you on the path to whichever treatment plan will be best for you.

While a 24 hour dentist will help you assess the damage and provide you with immediate care, it may be worthwhile to find a dentist to see regularly for long term care of those teeth. Find a cosmetic dentist in your area that can see you for dental exams and dental cleanings. Many dentists will work with patients for preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, and in emergency treatments. If your 24 hour dentist is also your family dentist, they’ll know your teeth well and will be even better equipped to give you the best care for your teeth.

Do you have questions about dental implants or cosmetic dentistry? Let us know about your experience in the comments below or send us your questions to answer.