Human teeth are very tough but can still fracture, crack or break when dealt with a strong force. A damaged tooth is a result of trauma to the tooth or tooth decay, causing the tooth to break or crack. If you are seeking to understand the treatments designated for damaged teeth, read on.
Cavities or Tooth Decay
A treatment for cavities or tooth decay would depend on the severity of the decay. It is important to seek care soon before the decaying has progressed far into the tooth and gums. Usually, if the cavity is not causing severe pain, patients will not need extensive treatments. There are several treatments that your dentist can suggest to you depending on your needs, here are treatment options:
- Fluoride treatments:
These treatments are for the first signs of cavities. Fluoride treatments help restore the enamel of the tooth and can sometimes reverse the effect of cavities. Fluoride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam or varnish that’s brushed onto your teeth or placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth. - Tooth extractions:
It is always the goal to preserve the damaged tooth but when the decay gets too bad, a tooth extraction is the only option left. An extraction of a decayed tooth can help keep nearby teeth safe. - Root canals:
A root canal is required when the decay reaches the inner material of your tooth (pulp). This treatment is used to save a badly decayed teeth instead of extracting them. The tooth then can be replaced with filings. - Crowns:
Crown is a fake tooth also called a cap, and is used to cover up damaged teeth. Crowns may be made of gold, high strength porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal or other materials. - Fillings:
Also known as restoration treatment, are for when cavities are more visible and have passed the first stage. Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain or dental amalgam that is a combination of several materials.
Chipped, Broken or Cracked Teeth
Common causes for a chipped, broken or cracked teeth are from accidents such as sports accidents or car accidents or eating hard food like candies, bones, or ice cubes. Nowadays there are many options to choose from to treat a chipped, broken, cracked or lost tooth, here are some treatments that can be provided:
- Ceramic filling:
A ceramic filling to the tooth is used to strengthen the tooth. This option restores approximately 98 percent of the tooth’s strength to its natural state. This procedure can be done in one visit depending on the type of material used as fillings. - Dental bonding:
This is a procedure used when the broken tooth is in the front tooth. Dental bonding is when a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. This treatment method can only be used when the main part of the tooth that is cracked or broken is tiny. - Root canal:
A root canal for a broken tooth includes keeping the solid shell of the natural tooth and removing the soft part pulp inside. If the remaining structure of the tooth and its support is in good condition, it is customary to proceed with root canal treatment at this stage. - Crowns:
A crown is usually done after a root canal for a broken tooth. The procedure is not different from any other reasons to opt for the treatment, a cap is fitted into the tooth that is damaged. - Implants:
A tooth may break below the level of the gum or bone. When there are instances where the tooth is broken too far below the gum and bone, it is sometimes necessary to extract it. Dentists usually follow this procedure by the installation of implants.
If you are in Stamford and you are looking for treatment for a damaged tooth. At Stamford Dental Spa we have trained and highly experienced professionals that can provide you with the proper dental care you and your loved ones need. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 to book an appointment.