A broken tooth can be painful – and frightening. Because the problem usually comes on suddenly and with little warning, you are probably unprepared, and you may be uncertain about what you should do. Fortunately, there are a variety of highly effective broken tooth treatments at our San Diego office. Your treatment will depend on the severity and type of break you have sustained. For example, a tooth with a tiny surface crack will require different treatment than a tooth with a damaged root. No matter what, you can rest assured that you will receive compassionate, minimal discomfort La Jolla broken tooth treatment.
Understanding Broken Teeth
La Jolla patients may suffer a broken tooth for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:
- A fall or blow to the mouth
- Unexpectedly biting on something very hard
- A large cavity
- Wear and tear, due to bruxism, age, and daily use
- Loose, cracked, or damaged amalgam fillings
There are also many different kinds of breaks, and this will greatly impact the type of treatment you receive. Chips are the most common type of break. These flaws are visible, and, in most cases, you will know as soon as the damage occurs. If possible, save the missing portion of your broken tooth and bring it into our San Diego office.
Cracked teeth can be much more difficult to diagnose because the damage is often invisible to the naked eye. However, this type of damage can cause significant discomfort. Therefore, a toothache may be the first indication of your broken tooth. The different types of cracks include:
- A tiny hairline fracture in your dental enamel
- A larger crack extending vertically down towards your dental root
- A split tooth, in which the crack extends into your root
- A crack which begins in your root and extends up towards your crown
Treatment for a Broken Tooth in San Diego
Just as there are many different types of broken teeth, there are also a number of treatment options to choose from. The type that Dr. Georgaklis selects will depend on the severity and location of your break, as well as your symptoms and additional health needs. Often, he can treat smaller breaks, cavities, and chips with bonding or a dental filling. These treatments are quick and virtually discomfort-free. Nevertheless, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, the crack or chip could grow larger, severely compromising your tooth and causing significant discomfort.
If you have a large cavity or chip, a dental crown may be the optimal treatment. This tooth-shaped restoration will fit over your tooth. It can strengthen your tooth, prevent further damage, and restore the appearance of your smile.
Finally, if you have a large crack that affects your dental root, you may require root canal therapy. Dr. Georgaklis is dedicated to holistic treatment, and he will combine traditional techniques with state-of-the-art ozone therapy. The pure oxygen can eliminate bacteria more effectively than abrasive chemicals. It can also significantly reduce bleeding and inflammation, so you should experience very little post-treatment sensitivity. In many cases, Dr. Georgaklis can use ozone therapy to prevent the need for root canal therapy entirely.
Suffering from a Broken Tooth in San Diego?
If you are suffering from a broken tooth, contact your La Jolla dentist today. Timely treatment can prevent further damage and severe discomfort later down the road.
