Teeth are durable, but chips, fractures, and decay can weaken them. Depending on the circumstances, a dentist can often save a compromised tooth, though extraction may be necessary in some cases. Here is a helpful guide to the options available in either scenario.

When a Tooth Can Be Saved

If a tooth is broken, a dentist will first assess the extent of the damage. A small chip can be addressed with dental bonding, which involves repairing the break with a resin and hardening it with a UV light.

For a large fracture, bonding is possible if the tooth is strong enough to support chewing. If not, your dentist will clean the tooth's root chambers, seal them with dental cement, and secure a crown on top. The durable cap is made from metal composites, alloy, or a compound like porcelain and can last five to 15 years.

Dentists use this same technique with root canal infections. A deep cleaning, sealing, and crown can often resolve severe decay and infection.

When Extraction Is Needed

Extraction is a last resort required when a tooth is too decayed or infected to support a cosmetic solution. It's a common procedure after multiple fillings or severe trauma. The dentist may also remove a tooth if it's shifting others, as is common with wisdom teeth.

Severe gum disease is another cause. If gum tissue is too infected or there are large pockets, the tooth lacks support and will fall out.

Why You Should Fill the Gap

After having a tooth extracted, it's essential to fill the socket before it affects your speech and ability to eat. Doing so will also prevent gum lacerations and shifting teeth.

Bridges

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth with crowns on either side. The custom prosthetic is molded to fit perfectly in place and match the bite pattern of the tooth above or below it. The crowns secure to the adjacent teeth with a powerful adhesive.

Bridges last up to 15 years with proper care. Brush and floss twice a day to prevent decay, and avoid chewing on hard objects like ice.

Implants

A dental crown is a small titanium rod fixed into the jawbone below the socket. Once surgically implanted, an abutment and prosthetic tooth are fixed on top.

This durable prosthetic is made from a mold of your socket. It requires the same care as a bridge and can last a lifetime.

Whether you've incurred a dental injury or need a cosmetic solution, contact Stephen R. Ho, DDS, of Honolulu, HI. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Ho maintains a welcoming environment for patients of all ages. He and his team offer cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry services and custom treatment plans. Call (808) 949-4288 to schedule an appointment, or check out the full scope of services on his website.