A fractured tooth requires emergency dentistry if the damage to the tooth affects its inner chambers. A fractured tooth can be caused by a variety of things like trauma from sports/accidents, biting on hard foods and bruxism.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many dentists limiting their services to only emergency dentistry to reduce the risk the virus poses to dentists and their patients. Many oral health professionals are now using video conferencing tools to diagnose patients and to help them determine if they need emergency dental care.
There are a variety of ways to go about treating fractured teeth. The procedure the dentist recommends depends on the tooth's location and the severity of the fracture. Common treatments used to fix fractured teeth include:
This is typically the cheapest way to fix a fractured tooth and it is usually used for mild to moderate fractures. It involves covering the tooth with a composite resin that is color-matched with the rest of the patient's teeth. The composite is shaped as desired before being hardened with a curing light. The process of composite bonding does not require any permanent alterations being made to the tooth. It only requires using an etching solution to roughen up the tooth. The patient is still free to cover up the fracture with some other restoration, like crowns, in the future.
Crowns can be used for moderate to severe fractures. The tooth is prepared for the crown by removing enamel from all its sides. Reshaping the tooth creates a better fit for the crown. The crown is customized for the patient using an impression or digital images of their teeth. A crown prevents the tooth from breaking apart and protects it from bite forces generated when chewing.
Root canals can be used to save severely fractured teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The procedure involves drilling a hole into the tooth and using files to remove the blood vessels and nerve. This helps to prevent the tooth from becoming infected. The dentist finishes the procedure by sealing the tooth and covering it up with a crown. A tooth that has been restored with a root canal can last the rest of the patient's life.
This option is typically explored when the tooth is severely damaged as a result of the fracture. The dentist might opt for a surgical or simple extraction depending on how much of the tooth is left. An extraction counts as oral surgery and it can take up to two weeks to recover from it. The dentist will usually replace the extracted tooth with an implant, which is the next best thing to real teeth. Only a small percentage of fractured teeth require extraction.
We are currently providing emergency dentistry despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Call or visit our Rego Park clinic to get the process started.
Request an appointment here: https://regopark.aaadentalny.com or call Rego Park Dental at (718) 416-6359 for an appointment in our Rego Park office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
General dentistry treats oral health, functional and cosmetic concerns, and it includes teeth replacement with dental implants. Learning more about dental implants, including what it is, how the process works and who it is for, can help you decide if it is the best way for you to replace missing teeth.All general dentists develop their…
Wondering how often a general dentist places a dental crown? The fact that dental crowns are one of the more common types of dental restorations that patients undergo to improve their oral health makes dental crown placement a very popular option for repairing teeth. Ready to learn more?It is essential for anyone who is in…
Are you wondering what it takes for proper denture maintenance and cleaning? Taking proper care of dentures is essential when it comes to their being able to last you for many years. While following the maintenance and cleaning instructions that come with new dentures is indeed necessary, sometimes understanding a few additional denture care tips…
Sleep apnea is a frustrating condition that affects many people’s ability to function normally each day. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for sleep apnea, and those who utilize professional treatment from a dentist often see many useful benefits, such as the ability to function better each day.All too many who have sleep apnea…
General dentistry treats oral health, functional and cosmetic concerns, and it includes teeth replacement with dental implants. Learning more about dental implants, including what it is, how the process works and who it is for, can help you decide if it is the best way for you to replace missing teeth.All general dentists develop their…
Wondering how often a general dentist places a dental crown? The fact that dental crowns are one of the more common types of dental restorations that patients undergo to improve their oral health makes dental crown placement a very popular option for repairing teeth. Ready to learn more?It is essential for anyone who is in…
