At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we know how stressful it can be when your child experiences a dental injury. One of the most common injuries we see is a chipped or fractured tooth.
The good news: if the broken piece of tooth is found and preserved correctly, it may be possible to reattach the fragment. This not only restores the natural look of the tooth but also helps protect the overall strength and health of your child’s smile. If the fragment cannot be located or reapproximated, our team is here to discuss all options for restoring the form and function of your child’s smile based on the unique needs of each situation.
From immediate care after the injury to long-term protection of your child’s teeth, our team is here to guide you through every step. With quick action and the right treatment, many dental injuries can be managed successfully.
Understanding Tooth Fragment Reattachment
Tooth fragment reattachment refers to the process of bonding a broken piece of tooth back to the original structure. This procedure is considered when the fragment is large enough and has been preserved in good condition. Reattaching the original tooth material can provide aesthetic and functional restoration that closely matches the natural tooth.
Benefits of Reattaching Tooth Fragments
- Aesthetic Restoration: Reattachment of the original tooth fragment provides a natural appearance that synthetic materials cannot perfectly replicate, particularly in how the tooth reflects light for a more natural appearance. The color and translucency of the reattached piece will perfectly match the remaining tooth.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: This method allows for the preservation of as much of the natural tooth as possible, which is always preferable.
- Quick Recovery: The procedure is non-invasive and the patient will be able to eat and drink immediately following treatment.
- Cost-Effective: Reattaching a tooth fragment can often be more cost-effective than other forms of cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.
The Procedure
- Immediate Response: The success of reattaching a tooth fragment greatly depends on how the fragment is preserved from the moment the injury occurs, as well as if it is the entire fractured portion (versus only a piece of the fractured segment). It should be kept moist, ideally in saline, milk, or even saliva, until the dental visit.
- Assessment and Cleaning: Upon arrival at our office, Dr. Mary Margaret will take several X-Rays to appropriately assess the damage and determine best management. Depending on whether or not the nerve was exposed during the trauma, additional treatment may be indicated. The fragment will be cleaned, hydrated and prepared for reattachment.
- Reattachment Process: Using a dental adhesive, the fragment is carefully aligned and bonded back onto the tooth. The adhesive is then cured with a light to ensure it is securely attached.
- Finishing Touches: The tooth is then polished and adjusted if necessary to ensure a smooth and natural feel.
