Oct
A tooth can be cracked in any number of ways, and different cracks require different treatments. Pleasant Dental® is happy to answer your questions about how we treat all sorts of cracks, chips, and damage.
Our team in Dolton will take a close look at your troubled tooth. Depending on what we find, our dentists offer recommendations for what to do next. In the search for a “dentist near me in South Holland, Illinois,” know that we don’t tell you what to do. We will give you information so you can make the decision that feels right.
Treatment at our office is affordable. Our fees are below average, and we don’t have unfair charges. In fact, many patients have been quoted much higher fees at other dentists’ offices for the same treatment.
Because dental problems like this don’t just go away! If you don’t treat a chip or crack, it gets worse. The fracture gets bigger. As this happens, you may notice your teeth are way more sensitive, more often, to things like sweet and cold drinks. The crack is a perfect spot for harmful bacteria to enter. The bacteria then infect the inside of the tooth. These infections don’t “stay put.” They can travel to other parts of the mouth, head, and body. So, let’s take a look at that concerning tooth!
OK, so think of your tooth as an onion. The outermost layer is the protective covering (enamel). As you peel back that layer, you end up with the softer, yellow dentin part. And, under the dentin, that’s where the pulp resides. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When chips or cracks only affect the outermost layer, dental bonding, fillings, or veneers may be enough to strengthen the tooth. Putting this dental material on the damaged tooth builds strength and protects it from more severe damage. When chips or cracks affect the deeper layers of the tooth, a dental crown or root canal therapy may be the way to go.
A dental crown is a covering placed on top of the tooth. It is made from different materials, like metals or porcelain. The crown stops the tooth from breaking further. If the inside of your tooth is inflamed or infected, we may start with root canal therapy. This treatment involves removing the irritating or damaged parts of the inside of the tooth. We clean out the tooth and give it a fresh start. The finishing touch is the application of a crown.
Don’t worry about a tooth. Call (708) 576-1900 to share your concerns and to schedule an appointment at our South Holland, IL area office in Dolton today.