The enamel layer of your teeth is very hard and durable. This allows you to bite off and chew hard foods. Unfortunately, there are rare situations where an accidental fall or blow to the face can carry enough force to actually fracture the enamel layer on one or more teeth. This is even more likely if you grind your teeth at night on a frequent basis.
How deeply the fracture extends into the tooth will influence the treatment options that Dr. Amit B. Patel recommends for you.
If the fracture was caused by a traumatic event and you have blood or debris in your mouth from the accident, you can rinse it away with lukewarm salt water.
Once the initial trauma has subsided, if you feel a sharp or persistent pain in the fractured tooth, it most likely means that the damage extends into the pulp or root of the tooth. This usually requires the dentist to perform a root canal to replace the damaged internal structures of the tooth. A dental crown is later placed.
Even if the fracture is limited to the enamel layer, you should still have Ashburn General Dentistry examine and address the problem before tooth decay issues arise. In some cases, we might be able to repair it with a small filling. This might also be accompanied by a fluoride treatment or fluoride supplements to help strengthen the remaining enamel.
If you have a fractured tooth in Ashburn, Virginia, call our office as soon as possible at 703.724.4470 to assess the situation and schedule an appointment.