One problem that arises frequently in general dentistry is teeth that are chipped or broken. If the damage to a tooth is severe, it may be necessary to extract it. However, this is only done if there are no other options available. In cases of mild to moderate damage to a tooth, it may be possible to repair it.
Chipped or broken teeth are seen frequently in general dentistry. They have several possible causes.
Inadequate oral hygiene and dental care can lead to extensive decay. As the tooth's enamel breaks down over time, it becomes weaker. Eventually, the structural integrity of the tooth may become so compromised that it cannot stand up to even the normal demands of chewing and fractures under the stress.
It is common for teeth to be chipped or broken due to trauma. Like other bones, teeth can only withstand a certain amount of force. If this level is exceeded by a blow to the mouth, the tooth can break under the pressure. Trauma that results in a broken tooth can result from sports injuries, altercations, or motor vehicle accidents. It can also occur gradually over time, such as when a person repeatedly chews on ice or opens containers with the teeth.
General dentistry offers several options for the repair of a broken tooth. What treatments are available to an individual patient depend on the extent and seriousness of the damage.
Sometimes called a cap, a crown is a prosthesis that is the same shape as a tooth. It fits over a broken tooth to hold the pieces together and restore the tooth to its original strength and functionality. To make enough room for the crown, a portion of the remaining tooth has to be ground down or filed away. A commonly recommended option for repairing extensive damage to a tooth, crowns are available in different materials, including metal and tooth-colored porcelain or resin.
If the damage to the tooth is not extensive, a dentist may be able to repair it with a tooth-colored filling or composite bonding. Bonding involves applying a resin to the tooth with an adhesive material. The resin is sculpted to match the shape of a natural tooth, and then the dentist hardens it using an ultraviolet light. Because the resin is tooth-colored, the bonded tooth is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth.
If there is damage to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be performed to preserve it. The procedure involves clearing out the damaged or infected pulp and then sealing it with a biocompatible material. Because removing the pulp can weaken the tooth, a root canal is often followed up by a crown.
If damage to a broken tooth is mild or moderate, it may not be necessary to extract it. General dentistry offers several options to repair a broken tooth based on how extensive the damage is.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Alexandria, VA.
General dentists use bonding to help repair damaged teeth. What is bonding, and how is it used to repair teeth? Keep reading for an overview of what bonding is and why it is used as a treatment method. This type of procedure is very useful for many different dental issues. Your dentist will be able to…
A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache. Each toothache is different. That…
General dentistry involves preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening. Teeth are constantly bombarded by substances that cause stains and discoloration, affecting the way that they look.The most common type of teeth whitening treatment performed by dentists involves using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from the outer surfaces and deep…
General dentistry helps address issues like a tooth infection. A teeth infection typically occurs when a tooth’s pulp chamber has been opened up by decay or infection. This enables bacteria and the acids that they make to reach these soft tissues, leading to excruciating toothaches and significantly increasing the risk of infection.General dentistry classifies teeth…
Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.The family dentist is the…
You can get specific procedures from your family dentist. This dental care provider knows your dental health history. The relationship you have can make each treatment or checkup easier and more pleasant. Here are the common procedures that you can get from your family dentist.A family dentist can perform this non-invasive treatment. Over-the-counter teeth whitening…