It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including a routine of general dentistry services to protect the teeth. However, while strong oral hygiene habits can minimize the risk of dental damage, there is no way to guarantee the health of the teeth. Accidents can happen, and oral injuries do occur. A tooth can become fractured, as a result of an oral injury, slip or fall, chewing hard food, or other accidents.
Although tooth fractures are unfortunate, they can often be repaired. The experienced team of dentists at Fort Bend Dental offers a range of treatments for tooth fractures. These treatments allow our Missouri City, TX and Richmond, TX dentists to restore the strength and structure of patients’ teeth.
The Importance of Treating Tooth Fractures
When a tooth fracture develops, it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Most people are motivated to treat tooth fractures because these injuries detract from the beauty of the smile. However, there are more important reasons to treat tooth fractures. Tooth fractures weaken the teeth and can expose the sensitive nerves at the center of the teeth. Without treatment, a patient is more vulnerable to dental complications such as infection and tooth loss.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to patients who have fractured a tooth. These options allow us to choose a treatment that is best suited for each patient’s situation.
Some of the most common treatments for tooth fractures include the following:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a tooth-colored dental compound to fill in, or repair, tooth fractures. This compound is hardened and forms a bond with the tooth to increase tooth strength.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are primarily a cosmetic dentistry treatment. However, veneers can also address minor fractures in the front teeth. Porcelain veneers conceal imperfections, such as tooth fractures, to improve the appearance of the smile.
- Dental crowns: Larger tooth fractures are most likely to require significant repair. During dental crown treatment, damaged tooth enamel is removed and the natural tooth is reshaped. A dental crown is then placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection on all sides. A dental crown enhances the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth.
- Dental implants: Although it is rare, there are times when a dental fracture cannot be repaired. If the roots of a tooth are damaged, tooth extraction may be necessary. Following the loss of a tooth, dental implants offer the strongest and most durable tooth restoration. Treatment involves the implantation of a titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the jaw, it acts as an anchor for a full range of dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.
When choosing the most appropriate treatment for a tooth fracture, it is important to consider the patient’s oral health, the size and depth of the fracture, and whether other cosmetic or structural imperfections are present. Our dentists will take all of these factors into consideration and recommend the ideal treatment for each of our patient’s unique situations.
Contact Us
If you have suffered an oral injury that has compromised the strength or structure of your tooth, it is important to seek treatment. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments.
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