What Treatments Are There for Tooth Fractures?
The people here in Warsaw know that our practice provides expert dental care. This includes restorative dentistry to address tooth injuries and damage as well as cosmetic procedures that are designed to help teeth look bright, white, straight, and wonderful.
Tooth fractures can occur for a variety of reasons. When they do, we have a number of options to consider to conceal the chip or crack, or rebuild the compromised tooth structure. Let's look at a few options below.
The Dangers of Damaged Teeth
When you have teeth that are damaged in any way, this can lead to a number of serious problems. For one, damaged teeth can be quite painful, causing increased issues with dental pain and tooth sensitivity. A tooth that is cracked or seriously chipped can also lead to a tooth being damaged further, breaking in a significant manner or coming loose entirely.
In addition to those structural issue linked to damaged teeth, there are also major concerns when it comes to root canal infection. Major tooth fractures increase the likelihood of a root canal infection, which could require the extraction of a tooth if endodontic therapy is not performed in a timely manner.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
For minor fractures that are predominantly cosmetic in nature, dental bonding may be a strong option to consider. This involves the use of a tooth-colored dental resin that is applied directly onto the damaged portion of a tooth. This conceals the damage from view and offers a little bit of structural support in the process as well.
Dental Fillings
For minor tooth fractures, a dental filing may be an ideal option. This is the same restoration that is used to deal with most cases of cavities. With a dental filling in place, tooth structure and stability are greatly restored.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are more substantial dental restorations that are used for serious tooth damage. They function much like dental fillings, though they are able to rebuild more of a tooth's structure. If needed, onlays and onlays can be used to restore the entire cusp (biting surface) of a tooth or multiple teeth.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth is too seriously damaged for other kinds of restorations, the last resort to save the tooth is the use of a dental crown. Dental crowns are caps that are fit over seriously damaged teeth. With a dental crown in place, the tooth is protected from harm and a person's ability to bite and chew are restored.
Extreme Measures: Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is too damaged to be saved or is infected severely, the best option at that point is usually extraction. Once the tooth is removed, options for tooth replacement can be discussed, such as a dental bridge, denture, or the use of dental implants.
Tailoring Treatments to the Patient
Each treatment we perform is carefully tailored to meet the needs of the patient. If you have suffered some serious tooth damage, we will be more than happy to go over your treatment options during a visit to our practice. We can discuss the ideal restoration for your tooth or teeth, as well as what materials may be best given the circumstances of your case.
Learn More About Your Restorative Dentistry Options
To learn more about your treatment options for fractured teeth and dental injuries, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. We will work with you to ensure your smile is healthy as well as beautiful.
