Dental fractures can vary in size and severity, depending on the initial source. While most are caused from dental accidents or chronic night grinding, it is possible for bad habits like chewing on objects or using your teeth as tools to also fracture a tooth. At the same time, athletes who play or practice without a requisite mouthguard are at heightened risk of dental fracture.
Even if the tooth doesn’t cause heightened sensitivity or pain, Dr. David Barry still advocates seeking professional dental care. The damaged tooth enamel could eventually trap bacterial residue, causing a new cavity to form precariously deep within the tooth.
Small fractures in a non-essential area of a tooth can sometimes be repaired with a basic filling. If the damage is significant yet the interior of the tooth is healthy, Dr. David Barry might recommend replacing the tooth enamel with a dental crown.
There are some cases where the fracture can be so severe that it damages the critical interior structures of the tooth. The most common symptoms of this include a persistent ache, sharp pain, or excessive sensitivity. In a case like this, your dentist might need to perform a root canal.
If the fracture severely damaged the interior of the tooth or an oral trauma caused significant damage to the socket, your dentist might advocate a dental extraction. Once your gums have healed, they can help you decide if you’d like to restore the tooth with a dental bridge or a dental implant.
If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you have suffered a fractured tooth, you should not delay in calling 801-226-0441 to seek professional dental care at Barry Family Dental.