Chip A Back Tooth? What To Know And Do Now
If you have chipped a back tooth and you don't want to do a lot of work to it, but it's sharp and you are worried that the root may be exposed, you want to go to the dentist to have the damages evaluated. You want to be sure that you aren't compromising your oral health and that you fix the tooth properly so you don't further the damage and so you can prolong the life of the tooth. Here are some of the things to talk with the dentist about.
The Risk of Infection
If the tooth is broken and then the root of the tooth is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth, along with food and other outside debris, it could lead to infection. An infection in your mouth isn't just painful; it needs to be treated with antibiotics by your dental professional. Have the dentist examine the area to see if you need an antibiotic and other treatment before work can be completed, since they can't work on an open infection spot.
A Crown for Protection
A crown is a great option for this type of tooth damage. The crown can be white and cover the top of the tooth like a protective cap. The crown will protect the root of the tooth and the part of the tooth that was damaged when the tooth broke. This is an easy and affordable option, and it should be easy and durable over time.
The Cause of the Chip
There are a lot of reasons why the tooth may have broken. The object may have been really hard and there may not be something wrong with the teeth, but there could also be issues with the strength of the teeth or the enamel. Your dentist will want to take x-rays and talk about oral healthcare habits and diet changes to help improve the strength of your teeth for preservation.
If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or damaged and it's one of the back teeth so you aren't worried about cosmetic concerns, a crown is a great way to cover up the tooth quickly. There are a lot of ways that the tooth may be damaged by just a chip or crack, so make sure that you go to the dentist right away to get to the bottom of the problem and to get the best treatment possible to prevent problems.
Check out websites like http://www.barnstabledental.com to learn more.