A very common dental emergency is a fractured tooth. Besides the inconvenience, this type of dental emergency may produce discomfort when chewing or biting down, or discomfort that occurs with no stimulus, known as spontaneous pain. Other possible symptoms are swelling, throbbing, and sensitivity to hot or cold air, food, or beverages. A fracture is easy to diagnose when a large portion of a tooth has broken off. Other fractures require dental radiographs and additional tests for a conclusive diagnosis. A microscopic fracture may produce a sharp sensation as it opens with biting pressure, and closes upon release. Cupertino residents are welcomed to visit Dr. Bhawna Gupta for their dental emergency needs as well as for non-emergency routine dental care.
A fractured tooth may result from a large area of decay, participating in sports, being in an automobile accident, receiving a blow to the face, or some other type of trauma. Clinching and grinding the teeth may cause a variety of damage including tooth fractures. Cupertino area patients with this problem should have a night/occlusal guard made to protect their teeth. Many athletes wear athletic mouth guards to protect their teeth while playing sports. While over the counter mouth guards may be purchased from retail stores, they will not fit and protect the teeth as well as a custom made mouth guard.
A tooth that has previously had a root canal but not a crown is especially susceptible to fractures. Teeth with large silver amalgam fillings may also become weak and fracture. Biting down on a popcorn hull, some seeds and nuts, hard candy or ice may also be the culprit of a fractured tooth that leads to a dental emergency visit.
Treatment Options
Extraction: A tooth that fractures into the roots, deep beneath the bone, or is in some other way non-restorable may need to be extracted. Cupertino patients can have their missing tooth replaced in a variety of ways. A removable partial denture is a tried and true method that has been utilized for a long time. A fixed bridge cemented in place provides even more stability. An implant with a crown restoration is a great option for patients with good oral health.
Root Canal: When nerve damage has occurred due to a fracture, a root canal may provide pain relief and save the tooth. Once the patient has been numbed, the nerve and blood vessels are removed, and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and filled. A crown is normally recommended to strengthen the tooth.
Build Up: A build up is a large filling that can be bonded to a fractured tooth to add strength and to serve as a foundation for a crown.
Veneer or Crown: A veneer or crown can be made to match the color of your existing teeth. They are cemented over the tooth or over a part of a tooth to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Patients near the city of Cupertino with a fractured tooth should schedule an examination as soon as possible to minimize any additional damage to the tooth. Thanks to advances in dentistry, dental emergencies may be easily remedied in a comfortable and timely fashion.