How Broken Teeth Will Be Treated

By the time they reach later adulthood, most people will have experienced the chipping, fracturing, or breaking of a tooth. While these incidents are fairly common, many people endure the pain without seeking the help of dentists because of fear or dental anxiety. Lake Dental Clinic hopes that by explaining the repair procedures for these various types of damaged teeth, we can allay the fears that keep you from mending them.

Chipped Teeth

The most common type of damage repaired by dentists is a chipped tooth. Some of these chips can be purely aesthetic, taking off a piece of enamel from the face or top of the tooth. In cases where the chipped enamel leaves dentin exposed, patients can experience thermal and pressure sensitivity. Treatment for these types of damage are generally easy, fixed by bonding the broken portion back to the tooth, filling the enamel when broken off a molar, or capped with a crown.

Types of Cracks

Cracked teeth, unlike chipped teeth are not always as apparent, and can’t always be seen from the surface. Additionally, there are various types of cracks that can appear in teeth, meaning that the types of procedures required can vary greatly as well.

• Craze Lines: These cracks are purely superficial, appearing only in the enamel. It isn’t generally necessary to repair these cracks, but if you dislike the appearance, you can consult your dentist about filling them.
• Fractured Cusp: These types of fractures oftentimes occur in teeth that previously had fillings. Depending on severity, this fracture may or may not cause you pain, but should be treated to avoid a worsening of the break. Dentists treating these fractures by placing a new filling in the tooth, or placing a crown over the fracture so that it cannot break further.
• Cracked and Split Teeth: Teeth with cracks or splits can sometimes be treated, depending on the severity and depth of the crack. For teeth that are not cracked below the gum line, dentists will use a crown to prevent further breaking, with the addition of a root canal if the crack has reached the root. If the tooth is cracked below the gum line, or otherwise split entirely, you will often have to undergo an extraction, and later an implant or other restorative procedure to fill the gap. 
• Vertical Root Fracture: These are fractures that begin in the root and move up to the surface of the tooth. In such cases, the affected tooth will not show obvious signs of damage, but can manifest infection in the surrounding areas. Dentists in such a case will either remove the tooth, or perform an endodontic surgery if the tooth can be saved. 

Visit Our Restorative Dental Practice

If you are experiencing pain from a fracture or break in your teeth, or think that you may have one, then schedule an appointment with Lake Dental Clinic, where we are proud to serve the Camdenton, MO area. Call today!

Oral Health Care Tips for Aging Teeth

Proper oral hygiene is important for everyone, but especially for aging adults, who are more susceptible to gum disease. In fact gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that you can prevent tooth loss and gum disease by visiting your dentist regularly and following a good routine for oral care. Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth and teeth healthy and strong well into retirement.

Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day

When you eat, bacteria builds up on your teeth, leaving a thin film that eats away at the enamel. Brushing your teeth regularly will help remove this film. As you age, it’s especially important to brush away bacteria that forms around old fillings and receding gums.

Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal is even better. As you brush, keep the toothbrush bristles angled against the gum line, being sure to clean the inner and outer surfaces of each tooth. Brushing your tongue will help remove even more bacteria from your mouth.

Floss Your Teeth Every Day

As important as brushing your teeth is, your toothbrush can’t reach between teeth where bacteria can hide. Flossing will help keep your gums strong and prevent plaque build-up, minimizing your likelihood of developing gum disease. Floss your teeth once a day, preferably before bed. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from between your teeth and below the gum line.

Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals

Did you know that some foods may actually defend against tooth decay? Antioxidants and other important nutrients found in fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts can improve your body’s ability to fight inflammation and infection. In addition, there are certain foods that provide an added benefit to your teeth and gums. If you’re having trouble trying to decide what to snack on, try these:

• Cranberries. Studies have shown that eating fresh cranberries prevents bacteria from bonding to your teeth.
• Calcium fortified foods. Calcium-fortified juices, milk and other dairy products help promote healthy teeth and bones. Cheese provides calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, protecting them from decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel. 
• Fruits and vegetables. Crisp fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, celery, and radishes will naturally clean your teeth and freshen your breath. 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The health of your mouth often mirrors the health of the rest of your body. Regular dental check-ups are important for treating and diagnosing dental problems before they become serious, but they are also a way of maintaining good overall health. Unless you are concerned about your oral health, a cleaning and check-up every six months should be all you need.

Lake Dental Clinic has been serving the Camdenton area for more than 40 years. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health now and far into the future. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.