Your teeth are responsible for a lot more than most other parts of your body, and when they’re healthy, they’re protected by the strongest substance your body produces, called enamel. However, your healthy tooth structure can still become damaged in a variety of ways, and when it does, it’s important to restore the tooth as soon as possible to avoid even more extensive damage. Today, we examine three ways in which your tooth might become damaged, and how the right restorative treatment can help the tooth regain its strength and ability to function properly.
Excessive wear to your tooth structure
The most frequent function your teeth have is biting and chewing your food, and generally, your tooth enamel is enough to protect them while they do so. However, in cases such as excessive teeth-grinding, or bruxism, your teeth can be exposed to excessive amounts of pressure and friction to lead to them becoming worn down. This can have several consequences for your teeth, oral health, and bite function, leading to further tooth damage and an imbalance that over stresses your jaw joints and muscles.
A fracture in your tooth’s crown
Excessive tooth wear is a type of damage that can occur progressively over time, but many cases of tooth damage involve direct, more immediate damage, such as a fracture in the tooth’s crown. The extent of a tooth fracture can vary greatly, and therefore, restoring a cracked tooth can require different treatments, depending on its extent and severity. However, if not addressed, the fracture will grow worse, and in extreme cases, the tooth might not be able to be saved. For example, if the fracture extends to the tooth’s root, a condition known as a vertical root fracture, then the tooth and root may need to be extracted and replaced to restore your bite’s function.
A chipped or broken off piece of tooth structure
A chipped or broken tooth means a piece of the tooth’s structure has been completely removed from the main structure. Like a tooth fracture, this can vary in its severity, and treatment will depend on how much of the tooth’s structure has broken off. In significant cases, the tooth may require a dental crown be placed over it to restore its ability to function without sustaining any further damage.
Learn how to fix your tooth damage
Tooth damage can mean a variety of things, but fixing it as soon as possible is always a priority for your 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.
