12 year old broke off almost half of permanent front tooth. What is the best option for treatment since she is still a child?

Question

I Would like to know the best treatment option for my daughter since this is a permanent tooth but she is still a child and growing. It broke straight across coming out of a pool and it was never painful or discolored.

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS · Answer

There is no discussion about options for taking care of a child's broken tooth for many reasons. Doing a nice conservative filling with tooth colored plastic(bonding) is perfect. Eventually you will need to redo the bonding but you may also want to whiten and other care once they grow up.  If the tooth eventually dies the tooth might need a root canal which would be fine if you have bonding.  We excel in bonding and encourage you to be conservative! Good Luck!

Ramiz Petros, DMD · Answer

Hi,The dentist can perform a vitality test.. (preferably after a week or two since at the beginning the tooth is usually tender and hyperactive and that can give faulty result).. after the vitality test if the tooth is tested vital (normal) then I would suggest bonding the tooth until the child is older (around age 18) then a permanent crown can be placed. If the tooth tested non vital (sometimes discoloration can take time to show and tooth can gradually become necrotic "die" . Then a root canal therapy is required and also bonding until child is older then a crown is placed.. in either way regular follow ups such as 6 month re care visit your dentist should check the tooth and repeat the vitality test to make sure the tooth is stable.. Thank you and good luck.Dr. Petros

Thomas Roberts, DDS (retired) · Answer

I am sorry to hear your daughter broke her tooth.  I strongly encourage you to consult a dentist very soon.  If the tooth is discolored it could be abscessing so it may need a root canal treatment.  If needed and completed then the dentist can do a bonding procedure to make the tooth look better until your daughter is old enough to have a proper crown done.  Don't wait.  Have it checked soon.  Good luck!

12 year old broke off almost half of permanent front tooth. What is the best option for treatment since she is still a child?

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