It is an unfortunate fact that a very high percentage of people will have to deal with one or more severely damaged teeth at some point over the years. You can take quite a few steps to protect your teeth, but serious damage often happens in the blink of an eye. In those situations, you must explore all of your treatment options with a dentist who focuses on restorative and general dentistry services. One of those medical professionals can help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan for fixing your smile.
Common Causes of Damage
Keeping your teeth clean and scheduling regular general dentistry services will greatly reduce your risk of many different oral health problems. That being said, your teeth must withstand an incredible amount of wear and tear over the years. If plaque and tartar collect on your teeth, then those substances will begin to attack the outer layers of enamel. Within a short period of time, that can result in dental caries and severe infections. Acute trauma to the face is another common cause of tooth damage. When an individual is hit in the face during a sports game or auto accident, they might chip, crack, or knockout multiple teeth.
Treating Chips and Cracks
After a tooth has been injured, you must immediately contact a dentist to explore your treatment options. For minor chips and cracks, the dentist might suggest dental bonding. That type of material can be placed over the damaged area to reinforce the tooth and restore its appearance. When the damage is extensive, however, dentists often prefer to use veneers or crowns. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is carefully attached to the front of the tooth. A crown is similar to a veneer, but it completely covers all sides of the tooth.
Severe Damage and Tooth Loss
If a tooth is severely damaged or knocked out entirely, then dental implants might be the best option. Removable dentures are effective as well, but some patients claim that they are uncomfortable. With implants, your new teeth are going to feel completely natural. To install those devices, the dentist must first anchor one or more titanium rods into the jaw. After a few months, the bone will form a powerful bond with the rods in a unique process known as osseointegration.
After the mouth has fully healed, custom implants can then be attached to the rods. As long as the patient continues to maintain healthy hygiene habits, implants can often last a lifetime. For those who are missing multiple teeth, a series of implants can be anchored in the mouth to support fixed dentures. In addition to being incredibly durable, dental implants are also very easy to care for. To keep them clean, all you have to do is brush, floss, and use mouth wash a few times a day. You must also continue to schedule checkups with your dentist.
Determining the Best Treatment Option
The only way to determine which treatment will be right for you is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your teeth can have a huge impact on your confidence as well as your overall health, and you must never ignore any signs of damage. Luckily, many of these restorative treatments can completely restore the form and function of your smile after severe damage has occurred.