Suffering a broken tooth can be a truly devastating experience when it comes to your appearance. There are many people that will judge you based on the quality of your smile, and it should not be surprising that a broken tooth can be extremely embarrassing. Fortunately, it is often possible for your dentist to correct these problems without needing to extract the rest of the tooth. Yet, this is a problem many people will experience, so they may need to address a couple of common questions about broken tooth repair. 

Does It Matter how Far Down The Tooth Breaks?

When a tooth breaks, it may simply lose the tip or it may break below the gums. Unfortunately, where the tooth breaks can dramatically complicate the repair process. For example, if the tooth breaks below the gums, it will be far more difficult for the dentist to clean the tooth's interior and remove any decay.

Luckily, if your tooth breaks below the gums, it is still possible for your dentist to repair the damage. If the rest of the tooth is healthy enough to remain in the gums, the dentist can use a filling material to build up the tooth until it can support a cap or crown. In instances where the tooth is too unhealthy to remain, a dental implant or bridge may be the best option or restoring your smile. 

What Should You Expect From The Bonding Procedure?

If the damage to the tooth is above the gum lines, your dentist will be able to use a bonding process to restore its shape and appearance. Unfortunately, some people assume that bonding is extremely painful and intensive, but it is actually a relatively simple procedure. When you undergo this process, the dentist will bond a special resin to the damaged portion of the teeth, and this substance will be formed into the shape of a natural tooth. 

Prior to applying the bonding material, the dentist will need to roughen the surface of the damaged tooth. A rough surface allows the resin to form a very secure bond with the tooth. Once it is applied, the dentist will use a special lamp to rapidly dry the resin, and this will allow you to have this type of damage repaired in a relatively quick period of time. 

A broken tooth can be highly embarrassing, and it may make it difficult for you to speak or eat normally. Luckily, your dentist will be able to repair this damage, but you need to be an informed patient to ensure you are making the best decisions for your needs. Knowing how the location of the break impacts treatment and what the bonding process is like will help you be a more informed patient when you are getting your tooth repaired.