Durable dental enamel protects our teeth, which is why we are able to bite and chew foods for years without problems. Unfortunately, even a minor injury can affect your ability to put pressure on a tooth without causing more damage. While enamel is remarkably strong, there is little a tooth can do to naturally repair itself once damage has occurred. If you have a minor chip or crack in a tooth, you should have it checked by your dentist in order to avoid potential complications. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office has experience taking care of people with dental trauma. An evaluation can determine how serious the matter is, and if you might need restorative dental work before it is safe to bite and chew with the tooth in question.
Chipping Or Cracking A Tooth Can Lead To Serious Consequences
Even if it appears to be minor damage, a chipped or cracked tooth can be a big problem for your oral health. Once enamel has been hurt, you can damage the tooth further, which means more permanent harm will have to be addressed before your tooth’s health can be fully restored. You also have to worry about a potential infection, as bacteria may be able to infiltrate the tooth. People who believe they can ignore or “work around” an injured tooth can still wind up in the dentist’s office, but they may not make the appointment until the problem has worsened. Seeking care as soon as possible can help you minimize damage and limit the amount of care needed for your tooth.
Keep Your Tooth Safe By Having It Restored With A Custom Crown
If your tooth’s damage is only superficial, cosmetic dental work may be enough to help you, but for many people an injury will call for the placement of a dental crown. Dental crowns are carefully constructed to fit over a tooth without interfering with its neighbors. If you are restoring a tooth in a visible area, porcelain and zirconia crowns can take care of teeth without hurting the way they look.
Is Bruxism Responsible For Your Dental Injury?
If you continually struggle with a teeth grinding habit, a problem often referred to as bruxism, your teeth can struggle under excess friction, particularly if you grind while sleeping. Addressing nightly teeth grinding with a custom appliance can relieve pressure on your jaw joints and muscles while also protecting your teeth. The sooner you act, the sooner you can make sure that your smile is safe from potentially serious consequences related to bruxism.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Take Care Of Your Injured Tooth
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is prepared to help individuals who are concerned about dental injuries. Through the appropriate treatment, a tooth can remain safe, and you can avoid potential complications that might affect your smile and well-being! To find out more, please call our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office at (515) 965-0230.