General Dentistry Options to Repair Damaged Teeth

With the help of a general dentistry professional, you can enjoy good oral health. Dentists have the knowledge and training to treat cavities, gum disease, infections, and a host of other conditions. Your dentist can also improve your smile by repairing cosmetic issues. These can occur due to accidents or injuries as well as because of poor oral hygiene. If you have broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, it is comforting to know that the dentist can restore your appearance.

The effects of damaged teeth

It is not uncommon for general dentistry to treat patients who have injured their teeth. Ignoring these problems can have serious effects. Damaged teeth can be painful — to the teeth themselves and to the gums and cheeks. An injured tooth can be prone to developing decay or infections. The latter of these can spread throughout the mouth and body.

It can also be embarrassing to have injured teeth. A person with noticeable cosmetic damage may feel ashamed and not want to be around others. Such flaws hamper a smile. This person may have poor self-esteem too.

Fillings

When the damage is minimal, the general dentistry staff may decide to use a filling to fix the tooth. This is common with small chips on a front tooth that other people see readily. The filling can be made of ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin, so they will match the color of the tooth. The filling will seal the tooth, helping to prevent decay. It will also build it up, restoring it to its proper shape and form.

Root canal

When the damage to a tooth includes severe decay or an abscess, the general dentistry dentist will likely do a root canal. In this process, the dentist numbs the patient and drills into the tooth. After doing so, the dentist will remove the pulp, which contains vessels and nerves. The dentist cleans out the tooth and then seals it. Usually, the dentist will place a crown over the tooth.

Crowns

Speaking of a crown, this device covers the entire tooth and protects it. A crown stabilizes a weak tooth and restores its function. With damaged teeth, the general dentistry team can cover cosmetic concerns and make the tooth whole again. Crowns can be tooth-colored, so they can blend in well with the other teeth.

Veneers

Unlike a crown, a veneer bonds to the front of an affected tooth. It is a thin porcelain shell that changes the shape of a damaged tooth. General dentistry can choose a specific color shade for the veneer so that it does not stand out. It is durable and allows the patient to eat most foods. Still, the person with the veneer should be cautious when biting into hard and chewy foods.