Debbie asks:
My son is 11 years old and he had an accident playing airsoft guns. During the game one of the kids shot his lower front tooth and the top chipped off. The root was unharmed. Will the top grow back?
Debbie:
Once a tooth has erupted in the mouth, only the root grows after that. A piece that is chipped off from the part that is visible will not grow back.
However, if you have the piece that chipped off, that can be bonded back onto the tooth. Very few dentists know how to do that, but an expert cosmetic dentist will know.
If the whole tooth broke off, though, or if a large piece broke off and you can see red inside the tooth, it will need a root canal treatment and then will need a porcelain crown.
Otherwise, if it’s not a huge piece, I’d recommend having it repaired with direct tooth bonding. Composite can be placed on the tooth and the color, texture, and translucency of the tooth can be matched so that no one will know it was ever broken.
Another issue you need to be aware of here is insurance coverage for this injury, especially if this is a larger break requiring extensive treatment. Any dental insurance you have, of course, will help pay for treatment. However, dental plans often have only 50% coverage for major treatment such as root canal procedures and dental crowns. But many medical plans will also provide accident coverage for injuries to the teeth. Together with dental insurance, that could cover 100% of the expenses, so check whether your medical insurance has that coverage. Also ask about any time limitations, because medical policies can limit coverage to only that treatment rendered in the first 48 or 72 hours.
– Dr. Hall
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.
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