3 Dental Injuries Restorative Dentists Treat

Curious about what a restorative dentist does? Read on to learn more. The unexpected nature of dental injuries can turn ordinary moments into emergencies. These injuries impact oral health and comfort, whether it is from sports mishaps, accidental falls, or an auto accident. A restorative dentist has the skills and tools to repair and restore damaged teeth.

3 Dental injuries treated by a restorative dentist

Some dental injuries occur more frequently than others, especially in patients who lead an active lifestyle. When individuals visit the dental office, the dental professional will examine the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment. Each of these restorative treatments will help in repairing the immediate damage and maintaining the affected tooth's health and function.

1. Chipped or fractured teeth

Chipped or fractured teeth compromise both oral function and aesthetic appeal. Restorative dentists use several techniques to correct these imperfections, depending on the severity of the damage. The options include:

• Dental Bonding: This is the least invasive procedure for minor chips. The dentist will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area, and shape and polish it to match the natural tooth.
• Dental Crowns: This option is often recommended for fractures that affect a significant portion of the tooth’s structure. These custom-made caps are placed over the entire tooth to restore strength, appearance, and durability.
• Veneers: This option works well for chips or cracks that affect the front teeth. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers cover the damage and improve the visual appeal of the teeth.

2. Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth

An avulsed tooth is a dental emergency that requires swift action to salvage the tooth and prevent complete loss. Some of the options include reimplantation and dental implants.

The standard procedure for preserving the natural tooth is immediate reimplantation of the avulsed tooth into its socket. The dentist will place the tooth back and secure it with a splint. They will monitor healing to ensure reintegration. This option works if patients visit the dentist within the same hour of the incident.

In cases where reimplantation is not possible, dental implants become the best alternative. These implants replace the lost tooth by mounting custom crowns on artificial tooth roots that preserve the jawbone.

3. Luxated (dislodged) teeth

Luxated teeth, partially dislodged from their natural position, require careful repositioning and stabilization. The restorative dentist will push the tooth back into place and use a splint to anchor it to adjacent teeth. This stabilization allows the tooth to heal and reattach to the dental arch.

A luxated tooth often requires root canal therapy because of the trauma. The dentist will repair possible damage to the pulp of the tooth, remove the injured tissue, and seal the tooth to prevent further complications.