The Potential Infection of Fractured or Decayed TeethYou probably don’t think much of a fractured or decayed tooth. Most likely, the only impact a fractured tooth might have is making you a little self-conscious. But a fractured or decayed tooth can be more dangerous than impacting your confidence. A fractured tooth, can lead to a serious infection. At Dallas Prosthodontics, we take your oral health seriously and want to help you take proactive measures to keep your mouth healthy. One way for us to help protect your teeth is with the use of veneers. How Do Teeth Fracture?
How Do Fractured Teeth Get Infected?Your teeth are covered with a hard, outer layer known as enamel. The enamel protects your teeth from decay. While strong, it is not impervious to damage. When the enamel fractures, it can expose the layer underneath, known as dentin. The dentin layer houses hollow channels, which lead directly to the roots of your teeth. Bacteria can get inside and travel down to the roots. The same effects occurs when a carious lesion attacks the tooth and is left unattended. Dental AbscessAn abscess is an extremely uncomfortable infection at the tooth root, or it may also be found between the tooth and the gums. It is often a result of tooth decay, but it may result due to trauma, gum disease, or a chipped or broken tooth. Signs of an abscess include:
If you are concerned that you might have a tooth abscess, contact our office for treatment right away. VeneersVeneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of your visible teeth. These shells are used to cover a variety of minor dental imperfections such as: discoloration, gaps, misshapen teeth, cracks and chips. Often meant as a cosmetic fix, ceramic veneers can help to prevent further damage to a chipped tooth, which will help prevent infection. Veneers are typically made out of porcelain, which allows them provide a completely natural appearance. Getting Your VeneersVeneers are a more conservative fix than other alternatives, such as crowns. To prepare the tooth, a small amount of your enamel must be trimmed away, which helps make room for the veneer to fit naturally in place. An impression is then taken to be used as a guide to match the color of your teeth. The impression and color information are sent to a lab to create your veneer. When the veneer is ready, we will bring you back to the office to check it for fit. If the fit is perfect, the veneer will be cemented in place. Once set, you have a complete, beautiful smile that is protected from any further damage by the chip you have suffered. Chips can lead to some serious issues if not addressed. They can lead to an infection that would require a root canal or extraction. Dallas Prosthodontics is here to provide veneers for minor chips to help protect your tooth and restore your smile. |