General Dentistry Options for Treating a Damaged Tooth

General dentistry is responsible for addressing all routine things relating to the teeth, including damage that occurs. Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear and tear, or cavities. Whatever the reasoning may be for a damaged tooth, there are a lot of treatment options available in general dentistry. Continue reading to find out more!

How damaged teeth may be treated

Outlined below are a few of the most common ways that damaged teeth are treated in general dentistry. Reviewing these options can be helpful to individuals who are not sure what type of attention their teeth need. 

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is one of the most popular general dentistry procedures. It is a quick and painless procedure that can address a number of things, including cracks, chips, severe stains, or simple imperfections, like spacing or length issues. 

The general dentist will apply a dental resin to the tooth that is requiring treatment with a small brush. It is evenly smoothed out to ensure that the tooth appears natural. Lastly, a curing light is used to harden the resin so that it adheres to the actual tooth. 

Fillings or crowns

Dental fillings and crowns are commonly administered in general dentistry because they can be used to address any number of problems, including cavities, cracks, chips, and even staining issues. 

Fillings are typically placed in teeth that have cavities, as the empty spaces where the infected parts are removed have to be filled and restored. Crowns, on the other hand, can be used for both cavities and aesthetic problems, like staining or spacing issues. Both procedures are routine and commonly performed in general dentistry. 

Replacement

In severe cases of a damaged tooth, a general dentist may recommend an extraction followed by a full replacement of the tooth. Of course, this option is only if the damage is severe enough to require extraction. In general dentistry, a single tooth replacement is usually done with a dental implant and crown. This option is the most suitable as it results in a very natural appearing tooth that also functions like normal. If there are multiple teeth that are damaged, a general dentist may recommend a partial denture supported by implants or a bridge. 

Determining treatment

Of course, there are more general dentistry treatment options than the ones that are listed above. The best way to determine what route to take is to consult directly with a general dentist. An evaluation can be done to identify the cause of the damage, as well as what the patient's actual goals are for a solution. 

Teeth that are damaged as a result of a cavity may require multiple treatment options to fully restore the health and appearance of the tooth. On the other hand, a small chip or crack as a result of an accident may only require one treatment option. To find out more about how damaged teeth are treated in general dentistry, reach out today. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.nolanriverdentalcenter.com or call Nolan River Dental Center at (817) 517-6453 for an appointment in our Cleburne office.

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