Hannam-dong Dental Clinic: Treatment Methods for Chipped Front Teeth Due to Trauma, Depending on the Extent of Damage

Hello,

This is Dr. Kim Tae-young, the head director of Barunyoung Dental Clinic in Hannam-dong, personally explaining treatment cases.

In a recent post, we discussed treatment methods for partial fractures of front teeth due to trauma.

In such cases, for a very small fracture with no symptoms and no occlusal interference with the opposing teeth, we can restore the tooth's shape using a material called resin.

Today, I will introduce a similar case but with a larger tooth fracture, and explain the treatment method using prosthetics.

My tooth is broken and sensitive to food.

A patient visited us with a fracture in the largest part of their front tooth due to trauma.

Visually, the fracture was extensive, and most importantly, the patient complained of sensitivity.

About half of the tooth crown was fractured, and damage to the periodontal ligament area was observed due to the impact at the time of the trauma.

Although the nerve was not exposed, the tooth was experiencing sensitivity to external stimuli.

First, to prevent inflammation of the nerve, we disinfected the fractured area, reinforced and trimmed the tooth for crown treatment, and then checked for symptoms with a temporary crown.

Fortunately, at the next visit, the symptoms had subsided, allowing us to proceed with prosthetic treatment.

This is a photo after the final crown treatment.

The surrounding gum trauma had also healed cleanly, and a natural-looking prosthesis was created, matching the adjacent tooth in shape and color without any sense of incongruity.

In cases like this, fortunately, the nerve stabilized, allowing treatment to be completed without root canal therapy.

However, due to the large extent of the fracture, crown treatment was a more appropriate alternative than resin treatment.

I think my old laminate is broken.

A patient who had received laminate treatment in the past visited us, stating that their laminate seemed to have chipped and cracked recently.

As seen in the photo, the upper four front teeth had prosthetic treatment.

This was more akin to crown treatment than laminate, but perhaps it was explained as laminate because the tooth reduction was minimal.

However, when a crown is made thin, if the occlusal adjustment is not done properly, or even if it is done correctly, a thin crown has a high probability of fracture due to occlusal interference over time.

From the front, two prostheses were fractured, and there was a slight gap between the teeth.

In such cases, it is best to remake at least the two symmetrically fractured prostheses, but the patient only wanted to replace one tooth where a fracture line was visible from the front.

In this situation, there is a limitation that the tooth fills the empty space, and the shape is formed asymmetrically.

This is a photo after removing the fractured laminate-like crown.

As shown in the photo, it seems that the tooth axis was misaligned and made even using a prosthesis.

If re-prosthesis were done in this state, the thickness of the prosthesis could become too thin, so the tooth was prepared to ensure the strength of the prosthesis.

This is a photo after the try-in of the final crown.

It was made with a thickness that could maintain at least the strength of the crown, avoiding areas of occlusal interference with the opposing teeth, to ensure long-term retention.

Since one tooth was used to fill the empty space between the teeth, asymmetry in shape and size was inevitable.

My personal desire was that if the adjacent teeth had also been made, a much more natural shape would have resulted, which is a bit disappointing.

Nevertheless, fortunately, we were able to match the color of the surrounding teeth as closely as possible.

Today, we looked at re-treatment for tooth fractures due to trauma or fatigue fractures of old prostheses due to repeated occlusion.

Prostheses can experience fatigue fractures due to repetitive occlusion over a long period.

However, if the above precautions are followed during the fabrication and bonding process of the prosthesis, it can positively impact the lifespan of both the prosthesis and the tooth.

For those with similar concerns, we hope you will visit a nearby dental clinic and regain a bright smile through natural and aesthetic prosthetic treatment.

Since treatment plans can vary depending on individual symptoms and the extent of the damage, we will provide a more detailed explanation during your visit.

Thank you.^^

▼ Related cases you might find helpful

https://blog.naver.com/bryoungdental/223507044818

https://blog.naver.com/bryoungdental/223331375566

We believe that proper treatment leads to proper results. My goal is to create a trustworthy dental clinic where everyone who visits with worries can leave feeling relieved. - Barunyoung Dental Clinic -

Directions: 2nd floor, JYJ Building, 179 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu. Right in front of Exit 6 of Yaksu Station, towards Yaksu Market. Use Village Bus 5 (Yaksu Station), Village Bus 12 (Namsan Town, Yaksu Police Station), or bus stops (Yaksu Heights, Sindang Social Welfare Center, Gaondo Library, Kumho Tunnel Entrance) from YuYu Pharma towards Kumho Station.

This post was written directly by Barunyoung Dental Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information and hospital advertising (in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act).

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of treatment do I get when my front tooth is chipped?

Yes, the treatment method varies depending on the extent of the fracture. For small partial fractures, the tooth shape can be restored with resin, while for larger fractures or if there are sensitive symptoms, crown treatment can be an appropriate alternative.

Is root canal treatment always necessary for a chipped front tooth?

No, it is not always necessary. If the nerve is not exposed and has stabilized, treatment can be completed with only crown treatment without root canal therapy. However, if there is damage to the periodontal ligament due to the impact at the time of the fracture or severe sensitivity, the nerve condition must be checked.

Can old laminates or crowns be re-treated?

Yes, it is possible. Old prostheses can experience fatigue fractures due to repetitive occlusion, and in such cases, they can be re-treated by remaking them. The existing prosthesis is removed, and a new crown is fabricated to match the tooth condition, ensuring strength and aesthetics.

What should I be aware of when re-treating a prosthesis?

Yes, it is important to fabricate the prosthesis with a thickness that can secure its strength and to avoid occlusal interference with the opposing teeth. Additionally, when filling in tooth asymmetry or gaps, harmony with the surrounding teeth should be considered for a natural appearance.

Can I receive treatment for a chipped front tooth at Barunyoung Dental Clinic in Hannam-dong?

Yes, Barunyoung Dental Clinic in Hannam-dong provides treatment for front tooth fractures due to trauma and re-treatment of old prostheses. We create customized treatment plans based on individual symptoms and the extent of the damage, aiming for natural and aesthetic results.