While it is never desirable and rarely intended, tooth damage does happen. A tooth can weaken or fracture due to a number of factors, including direct trauma, infection or decay. When a dental filling (or tooth-colored bonding) is not enough to repair the tooth fracture, there are other ways to restore it. In fact, with the right materials and technology, a broken tooth can be repaired to its pre-damaged state in just a couple of office visits. Restoring the integrity of a damaged tooth is important in terms of aesthetics, comfort and health.
When A Tooth Fracture Needs More Than Bonding
Modern dentistry allows us to fix cracked or damaged teeth using comfortable and flawless procedures. The first step is to evaluate the location and depth of tooth fracture to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Minor chips and cracks can often be repaired with simple dental bonding. If the damage extends into the inner portion of the tooth or to the tooth roots, a more durable restoration is needed.
The most common treatments to repair a tooth that has been moderately or severely damaged include dental crowns, inlays and onlays. Regardless of what your tooth needs, you should understand the importance of seeking tooth repair in a timely manner. Neglecting to restore a tooth that is structurally compromised can lead to infection from bacteria invasion and even tooth loss. In many cases, patients should seek emergency dental care when a tooth breaks, even if it doesn’t hurt at the moment.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a “cap” for a structurally compromised tooth. It can be made of natural-looking porcelain and encases all visible surfaces of the affected tooth. Crowns are always custom fabricated in terms of size, shape and color to match seamlessly within your smile.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are an excellent method of repairing a tooth that is too damaged for a dental filling but not damaged enough to warrant a dental crown. They are made from strong porcelain materials that blend naturally with your natural teeth. An inlay fits inside the cusp tips of the tooth, while a dental onlay is larger and extends over the cusps of the treated tooth. Your dentist can explain which form of restoration is best for your specific tooth damage.
If you have teeth that are broken, chipped or cracked, call Gainesville Dental Group. Our expertise is in building strong, beautiful smiles for our patients. While we do our best to protect patients from dental damage, we offer prompt, superior care when your smile does suffer harm.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
