Do you fear that you’ve damaged a tooth? Have you been in a car accident? Do you wonder if you can save a tooth that is severely damaged?
What you risk by leaving it could be far worse than the actual damage. By not getting a tooth fixed immediately, you risk infections and issues with your health.
Not only that, but dentists are highly experienced and specialized in fixing damage to teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about if you can save a tooth that’s damaged and how.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
Understand What Causes
Severe tooth damage is caused by a variety of different factors. So, the following is what causing this problem:
Poor Dental Hygiene
Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate on and around your teeth. This will eventually lead to gum disease and a tooth cavity.
Cavities weaken the teeth. It makes them vulnerable to fractures and other forms of damage.
Additionally, poor dental hygiene can lead to a buildup of calculus. And this calculus can lead to further tooth damage.
Furthermore, improper technique when brushing and flossing can cause severe wear and tear on the teeth. This can lead to chipping and breakage.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Foods and drinks can erode the enamel on our teeth which leaves them open to further tooth decay and damage. Especially those that have a low pH, like soda, some fruits, and vinegar.
Contact with acidic foods and drinks should limit as much as possible after contact. It’s suggested that rinsing with water or milk can help mitigate damage.
An Accident That Causes Physical Trauma
It can include anything from blunt force trauma to an accident involving a vehicle or a sports-related incident. Often, physical trauma can cause a tooth to become fractured, break, or push inward or outward due to intense force.
Some victims of physical trauma may even experience complete tooth loss. The severity of the damage to the teeth will depend on the impact of the accident, the type of force that use, and the number of affected teeth.
Other accidents that can cause physical injury trauma include a slip and fall, a sports injury, or even a blow to the mouth from a punch or projectile. Regardless of the cause, physical trauma can be devastating for the teeth, and the effects can be long-lasting.
Grinding
It is a form of dental trauma that can be caused by many different external and internal forces. These range from overuse of teeth, clenching and grinding, bite change, and advanced age.
In most cases, unrecognized and untreated bruxism can eventually lead to tooth loss. The person is exerting several times more pressure on their teeth than the normal human bite forces.
How to Identify
Severely damaged teeth can often be visually identified or on x-rays, with dark areas and fracture lines a telltale sign of decay. In addition, tooth pain or sensitivity can often be indicative of a severe tooth problem, with cavities and abscesses likely causes.
Furthermore, changes to the color or shape of a tooth are often a sign of possible damage. In some cases, serious problems can only identify the dentist through an examination.
Dental professionals use x-rays and specialized tools to get a better view of the soft tissues and discover the cause of any pain or discomfort. Identifying severely damaged teeth can prevent further issues and help restore the patient to dental health.
Options for Saving a Tooth
If there is still enough of the tooth remaining to salvage, the most common option is to fill or cap it. During this procedure, a filling material to use to fill in the decayed portions of the tooth. It also includes a crown placed over the top to protect it from further damage.
If the tooth is too weak or damaged to fill or cap, the dentist may opt to perform a root canal. This procedure removes damaged tissue from the canal of the tooth. It is followed by a permanent filling and either dental crowns or a dental implant.
Finally, if the tooth is beyond repair or the patient does not want the treatments, the dentist may suggest extraction. In this case, the tooth is carefully removed, and any remaining space can be filled with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
All three options reinforce teeth with weakened enamel and are esthetically pleasing as well. You can search for cosmetic dentistry near me to assess the degree of damage and provide guidance on the most appropriate and practical solution.
Determining if It Can Be Saved
A dentist will take an x-ray to assess the damage and determine the extent of decay or infection. The dentist will also visually inspect the tooth to determine the possibility of saving it.
The decision to save a severely damaged tooth depends on the overall health of the person and the extent of the damage. If a dentist finds that the tooth can be saved, then it will do with some treatments. If the tooth is deemed too heavily damaged, then it may need to be extracted.
Preparing for the Recovery Process After Treatment
Follow all post-operative instructions given by the dentist. The dentist may prescribe medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and infection.
Adequate rest following the procedure also aids in the healing process. Additionally, following a soft diet for the first few days is essential to ensure the tooth remains undisturbed as it stabilizes.
Eating foods that are not too hard or crunchy and having a balanced diet are also recommended. Furthermore, rarely brush their teeth near the recovery site and have regular check-ups with the dentist.
Save a Tooth for a Healthy Smile
The bottom line is that a severely damaged tooth can often be successfully saved. Consulting with a dentist may help further understand your treatment options.
By reading this guide, you can be confident in preserving the longevity and aesthetics of your smile. So, what are you waiting for? Save a tooth today!
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