Treat Tooth Fractures to Restore Oral Strength
Good oral hygiene habits protect the strength and health of the teeth. However, even when the teeth are healthy, it is not always possible to avoid dental damage. Tooth fractures are a fairly common dental complication. The cracks in the teeth can develop after a serious oral injury, or even when eating. When a fracture develops, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
Restorative dentistry treatments rebuild tooth strength and restore the protective layer of enamel that is necessary to prevent further oral health problems. Dr. Edward Narcisi offers a number of treatments for tooth fractures at his Pittsburgh, PA dental practice. When a tooth breaks, he will recommend the type of treatment that is most appropriate for each patient’s unique needs.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the most conservative treatments for tooth fractures. During this non-invasive procedure, a tooth-colored dental compound is applied directly to the tooth. The material is shaped to the tooth and used to fill in and repair the crack or fracture. Once the desired shape has been achieved, a dental light will be used to harden the material and bond it to the tooth. Dental bonding is a fast and affordable treatment for minor tooth fractures.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are another treatment option for minor tooth fractures, or those that are primarily cosmetic in nature. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells that are bonded to the facial surface of a tooth or teeth. Veneers enhance the appearance of the smile by concealing cosmetic imperfections such as fractures, chips, and discoloration. If a patient desires comprehensive treatment that will address a tooth fracture while also treating other aesthetic blemishes, porcelain veneers may be the most appropriate treatment option.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are restorations that can repair significant dental damage. If a tooth fracture is particularly large, a dental crown is likely to be the ideal treatment. A dental crown, which is often referred to as a “cap,” sits over the natural tooth and surrounds it on all exposed surfaces. A crown provides the ultimate level of repair and protection while allowing the patient to preserve the nerve and root system of the natural tooth. Dental crowns strengthen damaged teeth and enhance the appearance of the smile.
Dental Implants
In some situations, a tooth fracture is so severe that it damages the tooth’s nerves and roots. In these cases, it may not always be possible to save the natural tooth. If a tooth fracture leads to tooth loss, patients can restore their smile with dental implants.
Dental implants provide an artificial replacement for the roots of the tooth. The implants then serve as anchors for a comprehensive range of dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are the strongest and most durable treatment option for patients who have experienced tooth loss.
Contact Us
If you have a cracked or fractured tooth, don’t let it compromise the health or beauty of your smile. Dr. Edward Narcisi offers a number of dental treatments that can restore the strength, function, and aesthetics of the smile. To learn more about these treatments, contact us at your earliest convenience.
