Damaging a tooth can be traumatic and it can feel like an emergency. In a lot of cases, it might be. The urgency of the situation may depend on the severity of the damage. In any situation though, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as you can. If you have significant damage to the body of your tooth, it could put your tooth in danger. Fortunately, teeth can often be saved with the appropriate restoration, such as a porcelain dental crown. For minor damage, a cosmetic treatment may bonding may be enough to fix the tooth. Though there are times that a tooth may be so damaged that it cannot be restored; sometimes the safest choice for your smile is to extract and replace it.
Restoring a Damaged Tooth
When a tooth is broken, it is weaker and it can create imbalance in your bite. Restoring it can prevent the tooth from enduring further damage while restoring it can restore full function to your bite. A dental crown is designed to cover and protect a weak, vulnerable tooth. A crown is custom-created based on precise digital measurements of your tooth and mouth. If a tooth has only surface-level damage that is not too severe, it may be restored using cosmetic bonding. Bonding is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings and can restore the appearance and function of a chipped or slightly cracked tooth.
Replacement for Your Smile’s Sake
If a tooth has a minimal amount of structure left or if the root of the tooth has been damaged, it may not be able to be saved. For the health of the rest of your smile, you may get a recommendation to extract the tooth. In these cases, it is possible for the tooth to be replaced. A dental implant can act as a replacement for the tooth’s roots, while a crown can replace the cap of the tooth.
A damaged tooth should not be ignored
Restoring a damaged tooth can help keep your smile healthy. To schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
