Fracturing a tooth is one of the most painful dental emergencies. When you have a fracture a tooth, the treatment options that will be available will depend on the extent of the fracture. If there is a chance of saving the tooth, the dentist will have to carry out a very extensive restoration procedure. On the other hand, if the tooth is ruined, the only available option might be extraction. Below is a breakdown of how a Dentist in Cherry Hill NJ deals with a fractured tooth.
Contact the dentist soon after the emergency
You are supposed to contact an emergency dentist as soon as you realize that you have fractured a tooth. They will perform an assessment and try to find out how deep the fracture goes. In case the fracture goes below the gum line and extends to the root of the tooth, you might need to contact an oral surgeon to organize a tooth extraction. On the other hand, if the fracture is only on the surface, restoration can be done.
The restoration process
The restoration procedure will depend on the cause of fracturing. The two main reasons teeth fracture include trauma to the face and teeth and also when severe caries forces the tooth to fall apart.
* In the case of a fine fracture which has left the structure of the entire tooth intact, the dentist will use bonding to restore the tooth. Bonding involves the use of some form of composite material that is tooth-colored to fill in the cracks that result from a fracture.
* If the fracture involves the dentin or the second layer of the teeth, the procedure will have to involve getting some filling for a tooth. This filling will be made from a composite material. The dentist will also advise you to avoid biting hard foods as it cracks the filling.
* If the fracture reaches the pulp cavity, it can be very painful. At this stage, capping will be done. The process involves applying a dental material that is made of calcium hydroxide. This will reduce any inflammation and promote healing.
These are all procedures that a Dentist in Cherry Hill NJ will follow when restoring a fractured tooth. For more information and to get the services of a good dentist, go to