Basic First-Aid and Treatment Information for a Fractured Tooth

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Your tooth enamel is one of the hardest biological substances. This is what gives your teeth the strength to bite and chew hard foods. Unfortunately, there are still some instances when a tooth can suffer a fracture. This might be as traumatic as an unprotected blow to the face or something as simple as grinding your teeth at night.

The severity of the fracture will dictate the treatment and repair options that your dentist, Dr. James Hillstrom, recommends.

Small fractures in a non-critical part of a tooth might tempt you to procrastinate treatment. This is a dangerous proposition as the damaged enamel could trap food particles and bacteria, promoting tooth decay.

In some cases, a small fracture can sometimes be repaired with a basic dental filling. If the fracture is significant but the interior of the tooth is healthy, Dr. James Hillstrom might recommend replacing the tooth enamel with a dental crown.

In some cases, the fracture can be so severe that it damages the critical interior structures of the tooth. The most common symptoms of this include a persistent ache, sharp pain, or excessive sensitivity. In a case like this, Dr. James Hillstrom might need to perform a root canal.

If you have a fractured tooth in Plano, Texas, you should not delay in calling North Texas Dental Associates at 972.535.6647 to have it examined and repaired.