Have you had an injury to your mouth?

Patient with injury in her mouth

Did you recently chip a tooth chewing on a piece of ice or hard candy? Perhaps you suffered a mouth injury during an athletic event. Are you struggling with a painful infection due to an untreated cavity, concerned about a visible crack in your tooth, or have recently lost a tooth or scheduled an extraction? If so, you are likely in need of restorative dentistry. While teeth are one of the strongest substances on the earth, they cannot repair themselves the way other parts of the body can. So if one becomes damaged, either due to trauma or decay, it will likely need restorative dentistry in order to protect it against further wear and even from falling out. So if you have experienced any of these situations, it is time to schedule an appointment with a restorative dentist.

What Are Common Symptoms of Dental Problems?

Every smile and every patient is different. That means that some people experience different symptoms than others when facing dental problems, and some will face no symptoms at all. That said, there are a number of potential indicators that your smile could be in need of restorative treatment.

For instance, sudden or heightened sensitivity could be a symptom of a cavity. Since the layer beneath the teeth’s enamel, the dentin, is less strong and more sensitive, many patients complain of sensitivity or even minor discomfort when suffering from acidic erosion. You might also notice discoloration, like white patches or grey or black spots or lines, particularly in the crevices of your teeth.

Pain is often a warning sign of dental troubles, including cavities. It could also indicate an infection, though, both of which need to be addressed quickly to prevent further damage.

Seek treatment promptly after a mouth injury

If you want to be able to enjoy both a beautiful smile and one that functions properly and without discomfort, it is important to schedule a restorative dental visit as soon as you suspect you have a problem. That is because, when left untreated, most dental issues including cavities, chips and cracks will only worsen with time. To avoid the need for extensive treatment, or even a tooth extraction, talk to your dentist when you first notice negative changes to your smile.

For instance, cavities often cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and sometimes create noticeable grey or black discoloration, especially along the crevices of teeth. These are warning signs that your tooth has become decayed, and that a dental filling may be necessary.

In the case of chips or cracks, you may be able to see or feel that there is a problem. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that if you suffer an injury to your mouth, it is best to consult your dentist, as some trauma can create intrinsic issues that won’t be visible, but which could jeopardize the tooth’s health, nonetheless. This might be a time when you need a crown.

In many cases, simple treatment can be effective, such as a filling to address a cavity, or a dental crown to protect a chipped or cracked tooth.

How Can Restoration Help?

Dental fillings are the most common way of addressing dental cavities. Fortunately, modern fillings can be completed with minimally invasive treatment and are designed to be natural looking. They are also made of a composite resin material, which conducts less heat than metal. This makes them more comfortable for most patients.

Porcelain crowns are another restorative option, and they can also be designed to look natural and feel comfortable.