Wondering what a general dentist suggests for a damaged tooth? Read on to learn more. Damage to teeth can result from decay, accidents, medications, and various health conditions. Repairing a tooth is crucial for maintaining good oral and overall health.
When a patient visits the dental office for a damaged tooth, their general dentist will evaluate their situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option. The dental restoration options suggested by the dentist will aim to repair the tooth as well as restore its appearance. The following are some of the treatment options a general dentist may recommend:
Dental veneers are popular and permanent solutions to address tooth imperfections. General dentists can customize these thin porcelain or composite shells to match the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Veneers are typically applied to the front teeth, giving stained and broken teeth a fresh, new appearance.
Chewing on or biting into hard substances can cause superficial cracks or chips on teeth. In such cases, a general dentist may recommend dental bonding. This restoration uses composite resin, which matches the color of natural teeth, to repair minor damage.
A root canal may be necessary when a tooth has a deep crack that reaches the pulp. Pain while eating or drinking hot or cold substances can indicate the severity of the crack. During a root canal, the affected tooth's pulp will be removed, then the inside of the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected, and finally, it will be filled with gutta-percha. A dental crown often follows to provide support and protection to the treated tooth.
The chewing surfaces of teeth can also suffer from damage, leading to cracked or broken cusps. Though such damage may not cause pain, the tooth's protection is compromised. In this case, a general dentist can use a dental crown or cap to cover the damaged chewing surface, protecting the tooth and restoring its appearance. This process involves shaving off a part of the healthy tooth structure to accommodate the crown, taking an impression of the tooth, and cementing the custom-fit crown in place.
When a crack extends below the gum line, the tooth will typically need to be extracted, as there is no way to treat the crack in the dental roots. Extraction is necessary to prevent more complicated problems. The dental professional will drill implant holes into the patient's jawbone and insert titanium rods. After osseointegration occurs over four to six months, the abutment and dental crowns can be connected.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Monica, CA
The unexpected reality of tooth damage can be distressing and debilitating due to the associated pain. Prompt treatment can prevent the damage from worsening, and the appropriate restoration can alleviate pain quickly. You should schedule a consultation if you are thinking about restoring your damaged teeth. Whether your teeth are broken or you just do not like how they look, a general dentist can recommend many solutions that may help you regain your dental health in no time.
Request an appointment or call Pacific View Smile Center at 310-453-3747 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
A general dentist helps protect community oral health with professional fluoride treatments. These treatments:Harden enamelStop early decay in its tracksBuild a barrier against future acid damageOffice visits give patients stronger fluoride than anything sold over the counter. That meansbetter cavity protection in less time. Here's how it works, who benefits most, and why it's worthadding…
General dentist support eases anxious minds and guides comfortable care delay avoidance. Dental anxiety affects many people, often causing harmful postponement of routine checkups. Understanding why fear arises and learning proven coping strategies can empower every patient to enter the dental office with confidence.According to a 2017 article published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene…
A general dentist provides the essential care needed to keep a smile healthy, functional, and free from pain through every stage of life. It is recommended to see a dentist every six months for effective care. However, other reasons to book an appointment include tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as bleeding gums while brushing.…
During a dental practice visit, dentists assess the patient and then treat the issues scheduled for that day. It is a dentist’s responsibility to provide safe and extensive dental treatments. The patient goes home with a cleaner, healthier mouth and a better perspective about dental health. Each dental practice has its own set of steps…
A dental practice offers a range of dental services, and one of those is the exam and cleaning. Designed to help prevent tooth decay, these services involve removing plaque and bacteria. The practice also offers patient education, so patients know how to care for the teeth while at home. These practices can help a patient…