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.
When it comes to repairing smiles, dental veneers should be a top choice for your cosmetic needs. There are few things more embarrassing than having damaged teeth ruin your smile. This can make you feel ashamed of the way you look and want to avoid being around other people. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome…
Dentures and dental implants are two of the most common methods of single tooth replacement. Both are effective, but one might be preferable to the other, depending on the specifics of the patient’s situation and the patient’s preferences and needs. When determining whether dentures or dental implants is the most appropriate for tooth replacement, you should…
If you have an infection in one of your teeth and needs to be removed, you may need root canal treatment. This procedure will remove the infection from the tooth's root, where most infections start. The tooth will then be re-implanted with a crown, filling, or bridge to cover the space left by the dead…
Preventive dentistry can protect your teeth and gums. Its main goal is to keep dental problems away. It also aims to detect any oral issue early to prevent it from worsening. Preventive dentistry clinics have different ways to help keep your dental health in top condition. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can…
When it comes to repairing smiles, dental veneers should be a top choice for your cosmetic needs. There are few things more embarrassing than having damaged teeth ruin your smile. This can make you feel ashamed of the way you look and want to avoid being around other people. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome…
Dentures and dental implants are two of the most common methods of single tooth replacement. Both are effective, but one might be preferable to the other, depending on the specifics of the patient’s situation and the patient’s preferences and needs. When determining whether dentures or dental implants is the most appropriate for tooth replacement, you should…
