Do you like to chew on ice or popcorn kernels? Maybe you love sticky treats. Or perhaps you’re an adrenaline junkie who is always going on outdoor adventures or playing sports. Any of these activities puts your teeth in danger. You could easily crack or break part of your smile! Sadly, if an incident happens that damages one of your permanent pearly whites, the problem won’t go away on its own. In fact, the teeth are the only part of the human body that can’t heal themselves. When misfortune befalls one of your precious chompers, it is important that you visit your emergency dentist in Scarborough as soon as possible.
Don’t Delay Treatment
Maybe you know your tooth is damaged, but it isn’t causing you any pain. You could easily be tempted to ignore the situation or delay visiting your dentist in Scarborough until a more convenient time. Don’t do it! It’s important to see a dental professional soon after an accident harms one of your teeth. That’s because:
- When a tooth gets cracked or chipped, its inner layers may become exposed. You are therefore more likely to develop an infection, and your tooth may become extremely sensitive to pressure and temperature changes.
- There might be damage to the tooth beyond what you can see or feel.
- You risk causing further damage to your tooth if you continue to use it as if nothing is wrong.
- If the accident dislodged a restoration (like a filling or crown), a tooth that was already weak becomes susceptible to further damage.
What Your Dentist Will Do
When you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll examine the tooth and recommend a treatment. One or more of the following procedures might be necessary to get your smile back in working order:
- A root canal cleans out the damaged or infected area inside a tooth.
- A crown protects a damaged tooth and restores its strength and structure.
- A filling may be able to repair some types of chips in your teeth.
- If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, an extraction night be necessary. After your mouth has had a chance to heal, your dentist may be able to fill in the gap with an implant or bridge.
- Dental bonding or a porcelain veneer can disguise the cosmetic problems that ensue after a front tooth suffers damage.
Regardless of which treatment your dentist suggests you undergo, there is no reason to be afraid of it. Thanks to anesthesia and your dentist’s gentle touch, you should be comfortable throughout your procedure.
A damaged permanent tooth is nothing to take lightly. If you accidentally hurt your smile, visit your dentist in Scarborough for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal was voted as the “Best Dentist in Scarborough” for four years in a row. He treats each patient with compassion and uses only the best dental technology available. If you ever need urgent dental care, don’t hesitate to contact our office at +1-416-267-6789.
