A broken tooth can happen without warning. One minute your enjoying a meal, and the next your tooth has broken off. It can be scary, to say the least. If there’s any good news, is that we can usually fix a broken tooth without too much trouble, at OnCall Dental in Fresno.
A broken tooth can really hurt. In fact, sudent pain while you’re in the midst of eating may be the first sign of a problem. Sometimes there isn’t any pain, though.
If you break a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away, even if it doesn’t hurt. If you put off having it treated, you’ll increase the risk of infection in the tooth’s pulp. Infection can spread into the gum and bone.
What We Will Do
Once you’re here at OnCall Dental, we can assess the damage and decide on the best course of treatment. If you have saved the broken piece we may be able to reattach it by bonding it to the remaining portion.
If that is not possible, we’ll consider putting a crown over the remaining part. A dental crown fully encases the part of the tooth above the gumline and restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Sometimes there is a crack that extends into the pulp. When that happens we may need to perform a root canal or extraction. A root canal may be enough to save it; afterward, what remains can be covered with a crown. If an extraction is necessary you may be a candidate for a dental implant.
As with any dental emergency, the important thing is to see us at OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as possible. Seeing us promptly could be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Walk-ins are always welcome here; no appointment is necessary.
Your teeth are among the strongest parts of your body, but they are not invincible. A fall, a collision, or any number of other accidents can result in a chipped or broken tooth. If it happens to you or a loved one, contact OnCall Dental in Fresno right away.