|
If
your child has a broken or chipped tooth as a result of a
very recent trauma or accident, contact your dentist immediately!
Click
here for information about how to Contact
Us.
Click
here for more information on Accidents.
If
your child has a broken or chipped tooth that is not
the result of a recent trauma, Dr. Landes
can evaluate the tooth for possible treatment. It is still
important to have the tooth evaluated right away, because
in some situations a minor procedure now can prevent the need
for a more significant procedure in the near future!
A
very small chip may be corrected by enamel
shaping. If the chip is a little larger, the best option
may be bonding. Large chips and
fractured teeth generally require a crown.
If the fracture involves the nerve, Pulp
Therapy or Root Canal Therapy may be necessary before
the tooth is crowned. It is important to have a broken tooth
crowned before it becomes infected or abscessed!
In
extreme cases, a broken tooth cannot be saved. In this case,
an extraction is needed. When
an extraction is performed, it is important to put something
in the place of the missing tooth or teeth. If the space is
just left open, the surrounding teeth may shift and cause
complications. When a child prematurely loses a primary tooth,
they may need a space maintainer.
The loss of a permanent tooth may call for a bridge or implant.
Each
case is unique. Only your dentist can properly diagnose the
best course of treatment for your tooth.
|