When a patient visits the dental office for a damaged tooth, their general dentist will evaluate their situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option. The dental restoration options suggested by the dentist will aim to repair the tooth as well as restore its appearance. The following are some of the treatment options a general dentist may recommend:
Dental veneers are popular and permanent solutions to address tooth imperfections. General dentists can customize these thin porcelain or composite shells to match the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Veneers are typically applied to the front teeth, giving stained and broken teeth a fresh, new appearance.
Chewing on or biting into hard substances can cause superficial cracks or chips on teeth. In such cases, a general dentist may recommend dental bonding. This restoration uses composite resin, which matches the color of natural teeth, to repair minor damage.
A root canal may be necessary when a tooth has a deep crack that reaches the pulp. Pain while eating or drinking hot or cold substances can indicate the severity of the crack. During a root canal, the affected tooth's pulp will be removed, then the inside of the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected, and finally, it will be filled with gutta-percha. A dental crown often follows to provide support and protection to the treated tooth.
The chewing surfaces of teeth can also suffer from damage, leading to cracked or broken cusps. Though such damage may not cause pain, the tooth's protection is compromised. In this case, a general dentist can use a dental crown or cap to cover the damaged chewing surface, protecting the tooth and restoring its appearance. This process involves shaving off a part of the healthy tooth structure to accommodate the crown, taking an impression of the tooth, and cementing the custom-fit crown in place.
When a crack extends below the gum line, the tooth will typically need to be extracted, as there is no way to treat the crack in the dental roots. Extraction is necessary to prevent more complicated problems. The dental professional will drill implant holes into the patient's jawbone and insert titanium rods. After osseointegration occurs over four to six months, the abutment and dental crowns can be connected.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in San Marcos, CA
The unexpected reality of tooth damage can be distressing and debilitating due to the associated pain. Prompt treatment can prevent the damage from worsening, and the appropriate restoration can alleviate pain quickly. You should schedule a consultation if you are thinking about restoring your damaged teeth. Whether your teeth are broken or you just do not like how they look, a general dentist can recommend many solutions that may help you regain your dental health in no time.
Request an appointment or call North Coast Dental Implants & Cosmetics at 760-705-3407 for an appointment in our San Marcos office.
Dentistry encompasses a broad range of skills and areas of focus designed to maintain or improve oral health. General dentists are the most commonly thought of practitioners, and rightfully so, with many seeing them at least twice a year. However, there are a host of dental specialists that individuals may need to encounter at some…
As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…
Getting the right smile makeover is a form of dental rescue for your eroded enamel.…
You may have heard about how a smile makeover can help you overcome different problems.…
If you are getting ready for a smile makeover, there are some things you should…
Caring for your teeth after your smile makeover can make the results last.
Your dentist will give you smile makeover aftercare instructions. These care practices will extend the…
Dental crowns protect the tooth, make it last longer, and improve the aesthetics.
