Can a Dentist Save My Broken-Off Teeth?

Posted by AllSmiles

I was planning on getting Invisalign in a few months, but I had an accident, and two of my front teeth broke. I saw my dentist yesterday, and she says the roots are intact. She is going to refer me to a specialist. I don’t have any sense of whether these teeth can be restored and how it will affect my treatment with Invisalign. Thanks. Lars from NJ

Lars,

It sounds like your dentist is referring you to an endodontist or root canal specialist.

Can a Dentist Save Your Broken-Off Teeth?

Dental implant with implant crown, abutment, and artificial root labeled — An endodontist can determine whether teeth are savable or if you need dental implants

An endodontist might be able to restore your teeth. Depending on the extent of damage, the endodontist can put a flexible post in the root canal and bond a dental crown to the post. Flexibility is needed to withstand the forces of biting and the function of front teeth.

Your dentist referred you to a specialist to increase the chances of saving the tooth and preventing the need for a dental implant. A dental implant is the most reliable replacement if an endodontist can’t save a tooth. An endodontist has specialized training in tooth preservation and understands what is needed to stabilize your teeth.

Can You Get Invisalign If You Have Tooth Restorations?

You can receive Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment if you have tooth restorations. But the condition of your teeth and the type of restorations on them can affect the results.

Most orthodontic providers recommend completing Invisalign treatment before you receive restorations like a dental implant or bridge. A bridge and an implant are anchored restorations that can interfere with tooth movement. A dental implant is placed in the bone. And it takes months for the implant and bone to fuse. Orthodontics doesn’t reposition dental implants.

Speak with an orthodontist and your endodontist about your long-term goals, including orthodontic treatment. The two doctors will coordinate your care and recommend short- and long-term treatment for the best outcome.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients who consider themselves dental cowards.