A toothache can stifle your plans. Not only is it painful, but you are also worried about the health of your smile. At Mason Miner DDS, we are here to put you at ease. We understand toothaches can be inconvenient. We are here to help you through the process and find the right solution for you. For more information on toothaches and how Dr. Miner can help you, keep reading.
What Causes A Toothache?
Toothaches can occur for many reasons. One reason is tooth decay. Decay happens through bacteria that stays on your teeth and gums. It creates acid that can form holes in your teeth. Once the bacteria have eroded away through the protective layer of your tooth, the enamel, it can go in deeper. The deeper the bacteria festers, the more damage it causes.
Additionally, the sensitive roots and blood vessels are exposed when more of the tooth is eaten away. It is vital to have good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the tooth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day can remove bacteria and prevent it from entering the tooth.
Another reason for a toothache is a broken tooth. Whether it be a sports accident or eating something, a broken tooth can cause significant pain. Often, when patients break their teeth while eating. It is not uncommon the tooth breaks while they are consuming something soft rather than hard. The tooth might break because they already have decay or a crack in the tooth, making it sensitive to hard foods. So, they opt for soft foods. Eventually, the tooth is not strong enough to withstand the pressure and breaks. Yet, teeth with decay are not the only teeth that break. Healthy teeth can break in a sports or car accident. For contact sports, Dr. Miner recommends a mouthguard. A mouthguard is worn during sports and protects your teeth from injury.
How Can I Fix My Broken Tooth?
There are a few restorative options to fix a broken tooth. Each option depends on the severity of the break. For more minor breaks, oftentimes, Dr. Miner can repair the tooth with composite resin. This dental material is like a plastic, putty-like substance that adheres to the teeth with a curing, blue light. The resin is placed in two different procedures, dental bonding, and dental fillings. Dental bonding is excellent for breaks that affect the outside appearance of the tooth (for example, a chip on the corner of the tooth). Dr. Miner places the material in the spot where your natural tooth was. Then he forms it to your liking. Dental fillings are the procedure that you would get done if you had a cavity. This procedure is for breaks that are in the center of the tooth. Both methods use composite resin, which will look like your natural tooth.
For significant breaks, Dr. Miner may recommend a dental crown. A crown is like a cap that is placed over the tooth. The procedure usually takes two dental appointments. Dr. Miner will prepare your tooth for the crown, and take an impression of the tooth. This will help the lab determine how to design your crown. Then in your second appointment, Dr. Miner will make touch-ups to the crown to ensure it fits and feels comfortable.
A toothache can be a scary experience. At Mason Miner DDS, we are here to help you through the process. From diagnosing the toothache to treating it, we are here for you. We have many restorative options available, from dental bonding to fillings to crowns. Your restorative option will depend on the severity of the break. For more information about treating and restoring a toothache, call our office today.
We look forward to hearing from you.
