Are You Dealing with Chipped, Broken or Missing Teeth?

Your teeth are one of the robust and hardy structures in your body. Stronger even than bone, properly cared for teeth are extremely durable. Proper brushing and flossing, with interspersed regular dental check-ups and visits to the hygienist, will keep your teeth in great condition. If proper oral health is maintained, you could be smiling and chewing with beautiful teeth throughout your whole life.

How Do Teeth Become Damaged?

Unfortunately, trauma inflicted on the teeth can lead to chips, breaks, or even tooth loss. Injury through sporting activities is a well-known culprit for damaging otherwise healthy teeth. The impact from a ball, bat, or even being knocked by another participant can subject the tooth to extreme forces. Although many sports require players to wear a custom mouth guard to protect players’ teeth, injuries can still occur during relatively benign pastimes.

Even if you do not take part in sports, your teeth can suffer damage in an accident, such as tripping or falling. Opening bottles or packages with your mouth can cause significant damage to the tooth structure. Tongue and lip piercings rub and “clack” over surface enamel, potentially causing cracks and damage. Grinding or gritting the teeth also exerts surprising force, commonly leading to breakages.

Contact Sacramento Emergency Dental for Fast, Effective Results

Many people seek treatment for a damaged tooth due to its unsightly appearance. However, it is important not to ignore tooth damage or loss even if it is not visible. Any variance to the structural integrity of the tooth increases the likelihood of further cracks appearing. Harmful bacteria also have a better chance of penetrating the tooth, allowing decay and rot to develop.

Minor to moderate chips and breaks are restored by either a crown or by bonding an “invisible” tooth-colored filling. If a tooth fragment has broken off, secure it in a container with some milk or the patient’s saliva. The loose piece is then glued back in place.

Sacramento Emergency Dental will try to preserve any viable tooth structure whenever possible. However, it could be beyond repair if a tooth has broken or cracked below the gum. In these circumstances, we offer same-day extraction and placement of a dental implant.

Contact Sacramento Emergency Dental if you are concerned about any trauma-related damage to your teeth.