Treatments for Tooth Fractures Such as Chips and Cracks

When it comes to treating tooth decay and dental injuries, many people on Staten Island rely on the team at our practice. We offer the latest cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments, which improve the appearance of your smile as well as your overall dental wellness.

When tooth fractures occur, they can lead to many issues. Let's talk about the impact of chips and cracks on your smile, and then go over some of the common treatments for them.

Cosmetic and Health Issues from Tooth Fractures

In terms of cosmetic problems caused by tooth fractures, a chip or a crack on a tooth can detract from the overall beauty of your smile. It may become the focal point of your smile, in fact, leading you to feel self-conscious about speaking, smiling, and laughing, even around people you have known for years.

As far as dental health goes, tooth fractures can lead to weakened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even more severe fractures down the road. The risk of root canal infection can be quite high in some cases depending on the severity of the damage.

Dental Bonding

For minor chips and cracks that are cosmetic issues, dental bonding is a solid option to consider. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored that is painted directly onto the tooth. This resin conceals the flaw from view and builds it out, making it appear as if there was no fracture at all.

Porcelain Veneers

For more serious cosmetic chips and cracks, porcelain veneers are generally more ideal. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that fit over the fronts of the teeth. The veneers mask flaws from view, allowing people to smile with absolute confidence. You won't be able to notice veneers when they're in place thanks to their composition.

Dental Fillings

For fractures that post structural issues to the teeth, a dental filling tends to be ideal. These will rebuild the tooth structure and prevent further harm or damage from occurring. The use of a metal filling or a tooth-colored filling will be determine during your visit, though the tooth affected and the extent of the fracture help dictate the best option.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays function much like dental fillings, though they are able to restore a much larger portion of a tooth's structure if it has been compromised. Inlays and onlays are able to rebuild the cusps (biting surfaces) of a tooth.

Dental Crowns

If a tooth is seriously damaged or decayed, the last option for protecting it from harm and saving the healthy tooth structure is a dental crown. Dental crowns are used to cap seriously damaged teeth. This allows patients to bite and chew without pain or discomfort while protecting the tooth from additional damage.

What If a Tooth Cannot Be Repaired?

If a tooth cannot be repaired, the ideal option for treatment will typically be extraction. This prevents the risk of root canal infection and other dental health and general wellness issues. You and your dentist can discuss various options for replacing the missing tooth during your consultation.

Learn More About Treating Tooth Fractures

For more information about chips, cracks, and other fractures, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these issues with you in greater detail.