Treatment Options for Tooth Fractures By Dr. Tanner on November 29, 2016

Many people believe that if they have a minor tooth fracture and they are experiencing no tooth pain, there is no reason to seek immediate treatment. In the case of fractures that affect only the superficial enamel layer of the teeth, there is actually some truth to this idea. However, any time the actual structure of the tooth is compromised to any degree, the problem is bound to become worse eventually. By having a tooth fracture treated through one of several highly effective restorative dentistry procedures in its earliest stages, you can help to prevent a more painful future, not to mention the need for more extensive dental procedures.

Dr. Patrick Tanner offers multiple treatment options for tooth fractures at his South Ogden, UT cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice, South Ogden Smiles. The most suitable treatment option in any particular instance will depend on the type of tooth fracture and the extent to which the tooth has been damaged. Dr. Tanner’s foremost goal will always be to salvage as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. If salvaging the natural tooth is not possible or advisable, he will discuss options for replacing the tooth after it has been extracted with the patient.

Ultimately, patients with tooth fractures emerge from treatment at South Ogden Smiles with their oral health restored and their smiles intact. If you have a tooth fracture, we urge you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Tanner today.

How Does Dr. Tanner Treat Tooth Fractures?

First, Dr. Tanner performs a full oral exam to assess the patient’s mouth and assess the extent to which the teeth have been damaged. He then recommends a treatment plan to address the tooth or teeth that have sustained fractures. This treatment plan may include one or more of the following treatments, depending on the number of fractured teeth and the type of fractures:

Root canal therapy: If a fracture has extended to one of the root canals within a tooth, it will be necessary to perform root canal therapy to salvage the tooth. During root canal therapy, the dental pulp - a nutrient-rich substance necessary to the health of the tooth - is removed from the root canal and replaced with a filler substance after the canal has been disinfected. The entire tooth is then covered with a dental crown. Root canal therapy is often necessary to treat traditional cracks that begin at the crown, as well as complete splits and vertical root fractures that begin at the root and work their way up.
Porcelain veneers or dental bonding: Porcelain veneers or dental bonding are generally suitable treatments for treating craze lines, fractures in the superficial enamel layer of a tooth. These fractures pose no real threat to oral health but can affect the appearance of the smile.
Tooth-colored fillings or onlays: If a tooth fracture affects only the cusp of the tooth, then it may be possible to replace the fractured portion with a tooth-colored filling or ceramic onlay.
Dental crown: If caught in its earliest stages, a fractured tooth can often be reinforced simply by covering it with a dental crown. The crown prevents further damage while restoring the tooth to its former strength and stability.
Extraction: If a tooth cannot be salvaged, then extraction is the best option. Dr. Tanner will discuss tooth replacement options at that point so that oral health can immediately be restored.