Our teeth are considered stronger than any other substance in the human body. Unfortunately, they are still subject to damage. Tooth damage can include small cracks, chips or complete breaks. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you have a fractured tooth. Even a tiny hairline crack in a tooth can quickly progress and pose a significant threat to your oral health. If the damage involves a baby tooth on your child, you are not exempt from treatment. There are still serious risks in ignoring a chipped tooth, including those that can affect your child’s future smile.
Whether it is a toddler learning to walk or a teenager chomping hard candy, it is not uncommon for children to accidentally crack or chip a tooth. Fractured teeth can occur in the following scenarios:
- Biting down on something too hard
- Mouth injury or trauma
- Weakened enamel from poor oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding habit (bruxism)
Even if your child is not complaining of pain within the chipped tooth, it still may need repair. Without the complete outer layer of the tooth (enamel), the tooth is extra vulnerable to decay and infection. Left untreated, this can result in premature tooth loss of a baby tooth or the unfortunate need to extract a permanent tooth. A fractured tooth may also compromise your child’s bite and disrupt alignment.
Repairing Tooth Damage
The treatment method for the damaged tooth will be primarily based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks and chips, dental bonding can be used. This is a quick, painless and cost-effective solution that uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the compromised structure of the tooth.
If the tooth damage has penetrated past the enamel of the tooth, we may suggest a dental crown to properly restore the tooth. Any damage to the tooth pulp can be very painful and may require a root canal. Regardless of how badly you have damaged your tooth, you can depend on Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry to use top quality materials and advanced techniques to provide the most sustainable, natural-looking results. We also offer options in pediatric sedation dentistry to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during their visit.
While most types of tooth damage are visible, it is possible to have a small crack that only produces slight symptoms. We encourage you to call our office promptly if your child experiences sudden tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing. For your convenience, our dental team reserves time in our daily schedules to treat urgent dental concerns.
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