Three days ago, my tooth broke off at the gumline. I didn’t go to a dentist right away for reasons that I don’t want to talk about online. Will you please tell me if it is too late to fix the tooth? Also, what is the least expensive and easiest fix? Thanks for your help. Tim C. from GA

 

Tim – Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, a cheap, easy fix for a tooth broken at the gumline will not last. The priority is a lasting solution. And you may want it to look natural; neither is cheap or easy.

When Your Tooth Breaks at the Gumline

When your tooth breaks at the gumline, possible solutions include root canal treatment and a crown or a dental implant.

Root Canal and Crown for a Tooth Broken at the Gumline

Sometimes root canal treatment and a crown can restore a tooth broken at the gumline. But the treatment works if the tooth is not subject to a lot of stress. For example, if you have a strong bite (the force of biting or chewing) or deep overbite, it would be challenging for the crown to stay on.

Root canal treatment – A dentist must complete the root canal on what remains of your tooth. A flexible fiberglass post in the tooth root can help stabilize the tooth. In some cases, a dentist will place two side-by-side fiberglass posts to withstand stress on the tooth and keep the tooth intact. The dentist would build up the tooth with composite and bond a dental crown to it.

Dental Implant for a Tooth Broken at the Gumline

A dental implant is a long-term solution for a tooth subject to a lot of stress from a deep overbite or a strong bite. Although an implant can cost twice as much as root canal treatment, posts, and a crown, it will last. An implant dentist or oral surgeon anchors a dental implant in your jawbone, and it takes three to four months to heal. But when it heals, it is a solid foundation for a natural-looking crown.

Although you might choose a root canal and crown, you will need a dental implant anyway if it doesn’t work.

It helps to see a dentist right away after tooth trauma, but it is still possible to save your tooth. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with a skilled dentist to examine your tooth. The dentist will explain your treatment options and what you can expect from them.

 

Ryan Perry, DD, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.