Aside from the regular need for routine dental checkups and cleanings, everyone’s dental health needs are different. That’s because everyone’s smile is unique, and so are the specific concerns that could develop and need to be addressed. For example, your healthy, natural tooth structure might become compromised from structural damage, or from the development of an infection (tooth decay). If a problem occurs, the best way to fix your tooth is with personalized treatment designed to address the specifics of your condition.
How bad is the tooth damage?
The first step to fixing any tooth is to assess the specific nature and extent of the damage it has sustained. The nature of tooth problems can vary greatly, and the extent to which your tooth is compromised can depend on several unique factors. For example, if the tooth is cracked, it might be a minor crack in its surface, or it may be a substantial fracture that runs through most of the tooth. In severe cases, the fracture might also impact the tooth’s root, which typically can’t be fixed and restored. After your dentist has determined how bad the damage to your tooth is, you can work together to determine which treatment is the most appropriate for fixing the tooth.
Designing a minimally invasive solution
When designing a restoration to fix a compromised tooth, the goal isn’t just to cover up or fix the damage. Your dentist also strives to minimize any changes to your tooth structure to keep your treatment as conservative as possible. This helps improve the tooth’s long-term health and integrity after your treatment, as it can retain a maximum amount of its healthy, undamaged structure. If your tooth’s damage isn’t too severe, it might be repaired with minimal treatment such as tooth bonding or a porcelain veneer. However, for more extensive cases of tooth damage, capping the tooth entirely with a custom-made dental crown may be the preferable option.
If the tooth is lost or extracted
If the damage to your tooth structure is severe enough, or if you fail to fix the tooth fast enough and its damage gets worse, then saving the tooth may no longer be an option. A fractured root (or vertical root fracture) is one such case. Another may be a cracked or broken tooth that continues to lose its natural structure under the pressure and force of your bite. If a tooth is lost or has to be extracted, then fixing your smile may require replacing the tooth with a highly lifelike restoration.
Learn how we can restore your tooth
When your tooth is compromised, fixing the problem and restoring the tooth’s function as soon as possible could be vital to your long-term oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
