Tooth damage is a common problem that can have numerous causes. Decayed teeth are at a higher risk of tooth damage because decay weakens the tooth structure, leaving your teeth susceptible to chips and fractures. Facial trauma, such as injuries from a fall, can also cause significant tooth damage.
Treatment to repair a damaged tooth varies depending on the type and extent of the damage. A small chip may only require bonding, while a more severe fracture may require root canal treatment.
Unfortunately, in some cases, treatment may not be possible, and the tooth will need to be extracted. Regardless of the treatment required, it is vital to seek emergency dental care to minimise further damage and improve the chances for a successful outcome.
Is a Damaged Tooth a Dental Emergency?
A superficial enamel chip usually doesn’t require immediate treatment and can be repaired at your next regular appointment. However, if symptoms, including pain or swelling, accompany the chip, your tooth pulp may also be damaged and require emergency treatment.
A fracture or break that exposes the pulp or extends below the gum line is considered a dental emergency, and you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
An avulsion, or knocked out tooth, is also considered a dental emergency. If you act quickly and get emergency dentist care within 30 minutes, there’s a chance your dentist can save the tooth.
Symptoms of a Damaged Tooth
Unfortunately, identifying a damaged tooth on your own can be difficult because there may be a hairline fracture that is invisible to the human eye or the damage is below the gum line. However, these signs may indicate that you have a damaged tooth and need to seek treatment:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Excessive plaque build-up
- Bad breath
- Swelling or inflammation around the tooth
- Blood on your toothbrush after brushing
- Tenderness or pain when chewing or biting down
Treatment to Repair a Damaged Tooth.
Treatment for a damaged tooth depends on the location of the tooth and the severity of the damage. Minor chips can be addressed with bonding. Damage to the tooth cusp may require a dental crown, and injury to the tooth pulp involves root canal therapy.
If there is extensive damage, your dentist may suggest removing the tooth and filling the gap with a dental restoration like an implant.
Dental Bonding or Filling
Dental bonding is a treatment using a tooth-coloured resin material to bond the tooth and rebuild it. It can be completed in one visit to the dentist and does not require anaesthesia.
Your dentist will:
- Roughen the surface of your tooth so that the bonding material adheres.
- Apply the bonding material to your tooth and shape it.
- Once the material has hardened, trim and polish it, so it blends in with your natural teeth.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. The procedure for placing a dental crown typically takes place over two visits.
- The tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damage.
- An impression is made of the tooth, which is used to create the custom-made crown.
- You are fitted with a temporary crown.
- Once your custom crown is ready, it replaces the temporary crown and is cemented in place.
Root Canal
Root canal therapy is used to treat an infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tissue and cleaning and sealing the tooth. It can be completed in one or two visits.
The treatment involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth. This is done by making a small incision in the tooth crown and using endodontic files to remove the tissue.
Once the tissue has been removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Most root canal treatments require a dental crown to restore the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction removes one or more teeth that are damaged, decayed, or overcrowded. The procedure is usually performed using local anaesthesia. Depending on the number of teeth being extracted and the complexity of the procedure, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete:
- Local anaesthesia is injected into the site.
- The dentist uses an elevator tool to loosen the tooth.
- Once the tooth has been removed from the surrounding bone, your dentist uses forceps to remove it from its socket.
- After the tooth or teeth have been removed, the area will be cleaned with a saline solution and sutured.
Get Urgent Dental Care at Maroondah Dental
If you need urgent dental care, contact Maroondah Dental. We offer treatment to repair a damaged tooth, relieve pain, and prevent infection. Dealing with a dental emergency can be stressful, so it’s best to handle the situation professionally to ensure you get the treatment you need to protect your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Cost, Aftercare & Recovery Time
https://askthedentist.com/tooth-extraction/
Tooth Decay