A fractured tooth requires emergency dentistry if the damage to the tooth affects its inner chambers. A fractured tooth can be caused by a variety of things like trauma from sports/accidents, biting on hard foods and bruxism.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many dentists limiting their services to only emergency dentistry to reduce the risk the virus poses to dentists and their patients. Many oral health professionals are now using video conferencing tools to diagnose patients and to help them determine if they need emergency dental care.
There are a variety of ways to go about treating fractured teeth. The procedure the dentist recommends depends on the tooth's location and the severity of the fracture. Common treatments used to fix fractured teeth include:
This is typically the cheapest way to fix a fractured tooth and it is usually used for mild to moderate fractures. It involves covering the tooth with a composite resin that is color-matched with the rest of the patient's teeth. The composite is shaped as desired before being hardened with a curing light. The process of composite bonding does not require any permanent alterations being made to the tooth. It only requires using an etching solution to roughen up the tooth. The patient is still free to cover up the fracture with some other restoration, like crowns, in the future.
Crowns can be used for moderate to severe fractures. The tooth is prepared for the crown by removing enamel from all its sides. Reshaping the tooth creates a better fit for the crown. The crown is customized for the patient using an impression or digital images of their teeth. A crown prevents the tooth from breaking apart and protects it from bite forces generated when chewing.
Root canals can be used to save severely fractured teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The procedure involves drilling a hole into the tooth and using files to remove the blood vessels and nerve. This helps to prevent the tooth from becoming infected. The dentist finishes the procedure by sealing the tooth and covering it up with a crown. A tooth that has been restored with a root canal can last the rest of the patient's life.
This option is typically explored when the tooth is severely damaged as a result of the fracture. The dentist might opt for a surgical or simple extraction depending on how much of the tooth is left. An extraction counts as oral surgery and it can take up to two weeks to recover from it. The dentist will usually replace the extracted tooth with an implant, which is the next best thing to real teeth. Only a small percentage of fractured teeth require extraction.
We are currently providing emergency dentistry despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Call or visit our McKinney clinic to get the process started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at (972) 638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
In the past, unsightly metal fillings were used to treat cavities. Today, more patients prefer composite fillings, which serve the same purpose but with more natural-looking results. Dental fillings are relatively straightforward and do not require too much aftercare. However, there are ways to help reduce discomfort, prevent damage and prolong the life of composite…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…