Damaged teeth are more than just unsightly. Chipped, cracked, broken, or worn teeth can lead to more complicated oral health concerns. Treating damaged teeth as soon as you notice a change in your oral health can prevent any further damage from occurring. The health of our teeth is essential for long-term success. Preserving your natural teeth can help promote healthy gums, strong jawbone growth, bite stability, and long-term oral health.
Owings Mills Dental Care is a family-focused dentist office providing comprehensive oral health care for patients of all ages. Our dental care team is committed to maintaining our patient’s oral health in a welcoming and modern dental office. Owings Mills Dental Care is a Baltimore, MD dentist office for preventive dental care.
Repairing Damaged Teeth in Owings Mills, MD
Teeth with even the smallest chips or cracks are more likely to develop tooth decay and root canal infections. Once the enamel of the tooth is compromised, bacteria can spread to the inner pulp of the tooth. Thus creating a painful infection inside the tooth root. Treating a crack or chip can prevent the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
Our team encourages preventive measures to protect teeth from damage or injury. Owings Mills Dental Care offers sports mouthguards, tooth bonding, and restorative dentistry to prevent and repair damaged teeth. Regular visits to our Owings Mills dentist office for routine dental check-ups can allow your dentist to locate signs of damage in the earliest stages. For a chance at conservative dental treatment, without the need for tooth extraction, get your tooth damage addressed today.
- Dental Bonding: Chips and cracks can be conservatively and efficiently treated using a procedure called dental bonding. This is a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment option. Dental bonding can repair minor blemishes in as little as a single dental visit. Your doctor molds the bonding material to the tooth creating a beautiful, natural aesthetic and sealing out bacteria.
- Sports Mouthguards: Patients of any age who play sports are susceptible to damaging their teeth. Remember, teeth do not grow back! The natural teeth you have are all you have for life. A custom mouthguard can prevent damage or tooth loss from occurring. Custom-fit mouthguards are comfortable, secure, and protect your teeth from injury. Since they are molded to fit your exact bite pattern and teeth, they are the safest option for your athlete.
Sports-related injuries are one of the most common causes of damage or tooth loss in children and adolescent patients. Be sure to ask about a custom-fit sports mouthguard for your child. A mouthguard can save you time, and money, preventing the need for advanced restorative dentistry.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are looking for a dentist in the Baltimore area for all your family’s dental health needs, contact Owings Mills Dental Care at 410-782-3021 or request an appointment online. Our dental care team provides compassionate, modern, preventative dentistry in a comfortable environment. We welcome new patients from Owings Mills, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Randallstown, Windsor Mill, Woodlawn, and surrounding Baltimore communities.
Damaged Teeth FAQs
Dealing with damaged teeth can feel stressful, especially when you don’t know what steps to take next. There are many causes, including chipping a tooth during a soccer game or waking up with a sudden toothache. Visiting your dentist is vital to properly treating a damaged tooth. We put together the answers to our patients’ top questions about tooth damage. Understanding these common questions about damaged teeth empowers you to make informed decisions about your dental health.
What are the leading causes of tooth damage?
Teeth suffer damage from various factors, including accidents, poor oral hygiene, and certain foods. Biting down on hard objects, like ice or candy, can also cause chips or cracks. Additionally, grinding your teeth at night, known as bruxism, weakens enamel over time.
How do I know if my tooth is damaged?
You may have a damaged tooth if you have symptoms like sharp pain or sensitivity to hot or cold. Sometimes, damage appears as a hairline crack or discoloration. In this case, only a dentist can spot the damage, especially if you have no symptoms. If you suspect damage, consult your dentist for an evaluation right away.
What should I do immediately after a tooth injury?
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if your injury involves trauma. If you lost a tooth, try placing it back in the socket or store it in milk until you reach a dentist. If you are unsure what to do, contact our dental office for further help.
Does dental insurance cover tooth repair?
If you suffer a dental injury that will impact your dental and overall health, your dental insurance will likely offer coverage. Most dental insurance plans cover basic repair procedures. However, coverage will vary from patient to patient. We encourage people to check with their provider for specifics on their policy.
What happens if I ignore a damaged tooth?
Ignoring a damaged tooth can lead to further complications. If you suffer from even minor damage, you are at risk for additional damage, an infection, or tooth loss. Prompt treatment prevents these issues and maintains oral health.
What should I eat with a damaged tooth?
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could aggravate the damage. Eating this kind of diet is vital until we can fix your tooth.
Can children experience damaged teeth?
Yes, children can damage their teeth through falls, sports, or chewing hard objects. Owings Mills Dental Care will provide your child with the appropriate dental treatment they need to fix the damage and meet their specific needs.
How does a dentist diagnose tooth damage?
Our dentist’s office will use visual exams, X-rays, and more to diagnose the extent of tooth damage. These tools also help us determine the best treatment plan.
What role does diet play in tooth health?
With gum disease and tooth decay being the top cause of damaged teeth, your diet plays a huge role in tooth health. Naturally, you need to care for your teeth and gums to avoid dental diseases. You must also eat a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, as they support strong teeth. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which contribute to decay and damage.
Can my damaged teeth heal?
If the tooth experiences very minimal damage, it may be possible for the tooth to heal itself. However, once larger chips and cracks form, the tooth won’t be able to heal these. Your dentist can recommend cosmetic and restorative options to give you both look and function back in your smile depending on how severe your case is.
What happens with a chipped tooth?
If a chip is small, it’s possible to use a dental filling or cosmetic bonding to fix the part of the tooth that’s broken off. However, if it’s exposing nerves, it’s also going to be quite painful. Your dentist will likely recommend a bigger restoration to protect this sensitive area.
What happens if I have a broken crown or filling?
This also counts as tooth damage and can be taken care of with further restoration. Your dentist may replace the broken crown or filling, or recommend another restoration that may be better for that specific area.