Restore Your Smile with Treatment for Tooth Fractures
Even with meticulous dental care, tooth fractures can happen to anyone and without warning. Falling, being involved in a car accident, or getting hit in the face while playing sports are just a few ways in which a tooth fracture can occur. Whatever the cause, it's important to seek treatment for tooth fractures as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Restorative dentistry treatments can repair tooth fractures and other types of dental damage, protecting dental health and restoring the smile's appearance. To discover which treatment for tooth fractures is right for your needs, contact Scottsdale, AZ dentist Ann Sielicki.
Treatments for Tooth Fractures
Once a fracture occurs, the tooth becomes vulnerable to decay and further damage. Fractures damage the enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth, allowing bacteria and acids to enter the tooth, greatly increasing the risk of tooth decay. Treating tooth fractures as soon as possible is essential for preventing further dental damage.
Fortunately, there are many cosmetically pleasing options for treating tooth fractures and restoring the smile's appearance. Some popular treatments for tooth fractures include:
- Porcelain veneers: Mild dental fractures may be addressed with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells that cover the front surface of the front facing teeth. Veneers are custom-made from impressions taken of the teeth for a comfortable fit.
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding treatment may also be used to treat mild fractures. Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding treatment is performed using a soft, tooth-colored resin. This resin is directly applied and shaped on the teeth, masking flaws and improving the overall appearance of the smile.
- Dental crowns: For moderate to severe dental fractures, dental crowns may provide the best treatment option. Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that surround a damaged tooth to restore dental function and appearance. Porcelain dental crowns are made to match the color and appearance of the surrounding teeth, creating a natural looking finish.
- Onlays: Onlays may be used to treat dental fractures affecting the molars and are a good option for treating damage that is too severe for dental bonding but not so severe to require a full dental crown. Onlays are made of porcelain for a natural look and luster.
Preventing Tooth Fractures
Although it's not always possible to prevent tooth fractures, there are steps that may be taken to reduce the risk of a fracture. Some ways to prevent tooth fractures and protect the smile include:
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports: Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports can help protect the teeth from sports-related injuries, like getting hit by a ball, sports equipment, or another person.
- Avoid using the teeth as tools: Using the teeth as tools, meaning using the teeth to open packages or cut things, can damage the teeth and lead to fractures. Avoid using the teeth as tools to protect them from such damage.
- Avoid chewing on hard items: Biting into hard foods, like hard candies, or chewing on hard items, like plastic pen caps, can cause dental fractures. Avoid chewing on hard foods and items to prevent tooth fractures.
- Schedule regular dental exams: Regular dental exams are essential for catching damage early and keeping the teeth strong and healthy. Dental exams should be scheduled at least every six months.
Discover Your Treatment Options
If you suffer from tooth fractures, it's important to seek treatment immediately. To learn more about your treatment options, you're invited to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sielicki.