How to Save a Damaged Tooth

Following a proper oral care routine can greatly reduce your chances of damaging or losing a natural tooth. However, injuries or infections can still occur. A tooth can chip, develop a crack or fracture, or a cavity. 

Knowing what to do in such circumstances can help you protect your teeth and your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about how to save a damaged tooth as recommended by our team at Above and Beyond Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA.

Types of Damage

• Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is usually the result of an injury. In such a case, all you need to do is collect the broken piece and visit the dentist to have it reattached or bonded.

• Crack or Fracture

Cracks can develop due to wear and tear or injury. If the fracture extends into the pulp, a root canal and crown are required. If it goes below the gum line, extraction may be the only solution.

• Cavity

The treatment, in this case, varies depending on the severity of the cavity. A cavity that has not reached the pulp can be cleared of the decayed parts and filled with a tooth-colored material. Crowns are required for severely affected teeth. 

If the pulp of the tooth is infected, a root canal will be required. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, and a filling or crown is placed to restore the tooth’s structure and strength.

Why You Should Not Extract Your Own Tooth

A tooth extraction can be rather painful and you may expose yourself to the risk of infection if you do not let a professional perform it. If your tooth is severely damaged or loose, visit the dentist and they will recommend the best course of action.

How to Retain a Natural Tooth  

• Seek professional help as soon as you notice swelling or pain, or a chip or crack in a tooth. 
• If the choices for treatment the dentist offers are extraction and root canal treatment, go with the latter. 
• If your dentist does not give you the option of a root canal, look for an endodontist or ask for a referral. 

If you want to learn more about how to save a damaged tooth, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists at Above and Beyond Dentistry by calling (770) 995-0538 or visiting us at 747 Old Norcross Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.