Following a proper oral care routine can greatly reduce your chances of damaging or losing a natural tooth. However, injuries or infections can still occur. A tooth can chip, develop a crack or fracture, or a cavity.
Knowing what to do in such circumstances can help you protect your teeth and your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about how to save a damaged tooth as recommended by our team at Above and Beyond Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA.
Types of Damage
- Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is usually the result of an injury. In such a case, all you need to do is collect the broken piece and visit the dentist to have it reattached or bonded.
- Crack or Fracture
Cracks can develop due to wear and tear or injury. If the fracture extends into the pulp, a root canal and crown are required. If it goes below the gum line, extraction may be the only solution.
- Cavity
The treatment, in this case, varies depending on the severity of the cavity. A cavity that has not reached the pulp can be cleared of the decayed parts and filled with a tooth-colored material. Crowns are required for severely affected teeth.
If the pulp of the tooth is infected, a root canal will be required. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, and a filling or crown is placed to restore the tooth’s structure and strength.
Why You Should Not Extract Your Own Tooth
A tooth extraction can be rather painful and you may expose yourself to the risk of infection if you do not let a professional perform it. If your tooth is severely damaged or loose, visit the dentist and they will recommend the best course of action.
How to Retain a Natural Tooth
- Seek professional help as soon as you notice swelling or pain, or a chip or crack in a tooth.
- If the choices for treatment the dentist offers are extraction and root canal treatment, go with the latter.
- If your dentist does not give you the option of a root canal, look for an endodontist or ask for a referral.