Do you have a broken tooth? Consider your various options with our Dentist in Long Grove
Our teeth are covered in a strong outer layer of enamel, intended to protect the inner, softer tissues. Enamel, though very strong, can be damaged. Teeth may sustain damage either through direct injury or through years of progressive weakening. In either instance, professional treatment is necessary. If you have a cracked, fractured, or broken tooth, our Dentist in Long Grove offers options for treatment in our Chicago and Vernon Hills offices that can rebuild your best smile.
The causes of fractured, chipped, or broken teeth vary widely. Some of the common causes we see include:
- Untreated cavities
- Teeth treated with root canal therapy that are not covered with a crown
- A temporary filling has not been replaced quickly
- Physical altercation or accident
- Biting or chewing on hard objects
- Using teeth as “tools” to open objects
- Excessive grinding or clenching of teeth
- Severe misalignment in which teeth are very crooked
A question to consider
Your dentist will attempt to save damaged teeth if the prognosis for ongoing oral health is good. The question of whether or not a tooth should be saved, however, is considered because there are times when the answer will be “no.”
During consultations for tooth repair, it is important to ask your dentist the potential outcome of saving a natural tooth, including longevity of a chosen restoration, cost, and other aspects of treatment. After performing a thorough examination, your experienced dentist will be able to advise you of the treatment options with the best potential outcome. Sometimes, the most suitable treatment will be extraction and replacement.
Replacement options
The tooth replacement most people are familiar with is the dental bridge. This prosthetic can be fixed, anchored by two healthy teeth adjacent to the empty space. A bridge is anchored by placing crowns over these teeth. In between the crowns is a pontic, an artificial tooth, which will sit on gum tissue in the gap. Recent developments in dentistry, however, have changed the way teeth are replaced. Now it is possible to have teeth replaced in a more permanent way: with dental implants.
Dental implants can serve your dental needs for a lifetime with good oral hygiene. In addition, teeth that are extracted in one of our state-of-the-art offices can be immediately replaced with implants so that a secondary procedure is not necessary.
Dr. Kumar, our Dentist in Long Grove and the Smile More Today team can help you achieve your oral health and smile goals. Contact us in Vernon Hills or Chicago for your visit.