Tough Breaks: Treatment Options for Tooth Fractures
If you have teeth that are fractured, it can pose cosmetic problems as well as general health and wellness concerns. Thankfully your dentist has plenty of options for treating these issues. The team here our our Montreal restorative dentistry centre can tailor treatments for fractured teeth to the patient, ensuring excellent results.
Let's take a moment to consider why tooth fractures need to be taken seriously and what options for treatment are available.
The Dangers of Fractured Teeth
In terms of aesthetics, a serious chip or crack on a tooth can leave you feeling self-conscious about the look of your smile. This is particularly true of fractures affecting the front teeth.
In terms of dental health, fractured teeth can cause your teeth to be sensitive and tender, making it more difficult to bite and chew. The pain could be quite extreme. Furthermore, damage to a tooth increases the risk of root canal infection.
Dental Bonding
For minor fractures of a tooth that are cosmetic in nature, the best option to consider is dental bonding. Dental bonding involves painting a tooth-colored resin directly onto a tooth along the fracture. This seals and conceals, and can build out a little tooth structure in the process.
Porcelain Veneers
For more serious cosmetic fractures, a porcelain veneer is an ideal option. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that can mask flaws from view. Porcelain veneers are quite durable, and they are versatile, too. Since porcelain veneers are semi-transluscent, no one will notice that they are in place when you smile, whether in natural light or artificial light.
Inlays and Onlays
For more serious chips and cracks, the ideal option may be an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that function much like dental fillings, though they are larger. As such, these kinds of restorations are able to rebuild more of a tooth's structure. Inlays and onlays are so durable that they can be used to replace the entire biting surface (cusp) of a tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a seriously decayed or damaged tooth. The crown protects the remaining tooth structure, restoring a person's ability to bite and chew and alleviating pain and sensitivity associated with a fractured tooth. In general, dental crowns are used only used when a tooth is extremely damaged and other kinds of restorations and treatments are not viable.
What If a Tooth Cannot Be Fixed?
There are some fractures that are too serious for restorations to fix. In these cases, the best option may be the extraction of the damaged tooth. Following the extraction of the tooth, there are many options to consider for replacing that tooth, such as a bridge or an appliance supported by a dental implant. We can go over these options in greater detail during a consultation at our practice.
Learn More About Your Restorative Dentistry Options
For more information about treating fractured teeth and improving overall dental wellness, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The team at our practice looks forward to your visit and helping you have a healthy and beautiful smile.
