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When you refrain from undergoing restorative dentistry, it will only lead to problems in the long term. When you chip or crack your teeth in an accident, you must have a dental restoration as soon as possible. If not, you are exposing yourself to decay and deterioration. Here is what your dental house wants you to know about restorative procedures.
What will happen if I ignore tooth decay?
Teeth are the strongest bones in the human body. However, they are susceptible to damage. Chipped and cracked teeth are more likely to accumulate plaque, leading to tooth decay and destroyed enamel. Although the body's other bones are capable of self-repair, teeth are not. Enamel cannot repair itself, and when you leave tooth decay for too long without brushing and filling, it can spread to neighboring areas. In time, it could lead to a tooth extraction, which will shift your teeth' placement and cause them to sit far apart.
Another possibility would be that the bacteria in the decayed part of your teeth would keep burrowing into your enamel, making their way to the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are. When this happens, it could lead to an infection and even abscess. Abscessed teeth cause fevers and a swollen jaw, and it would likely need a root canal.
What restorative dental treatments are there?
Depending on the damage, you will need to undergo a consultation to identify the kind of treatment best suited for you. Typically, people get dental crowns; there are various types of crowns available for restoration, but the most aesthetically pleasing are ones made from porcelain.
You can have porcelain crowns matched to your existing teeth and cover the damaged tooth. This is a suitable option for those who had a root canal treatment since it restores function and shape to the affected tooth.
Meanwhile, people with chipped or cracked front teeth should get porcelain veneers. With this option, you attach the covering to the tooth's front surface, filling in gaps or missing teeth. Another choice would be to use dental implants, which would replace missing teeth.
Implants are among the most advanced treatments you could get for your teeth. They serve two purposes—they restore dental health and improve the aesthetics of your teeth. During the procedure, your dentist surgically inserts the implants into your jawbone. This prevents the teeth from moving around and helps your jaw serve as an anchor.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to have a less-than-stellar smile. Chipped teeth or a noticeable gap can cause you to feel self-conscious, and delaying restoration treatments will only cause more trouble down the road. Delays like these make your teeth prone to tooth decay, which leads to all sorts of complications.
Read as much as you can about restorative dentistry and the differences among each option. Better yet, ask your local dentist which one is best for your situation. When you are proactive, you help preserve your teeth's health, prevent further damage, and keep the medical bills to a minimum.
Ensure your picture-perfect smile when you set an appointment with Dental House MI. We provide restorative dental surgery in Ann Arbor, Waterford, and Ypsilanti, MI, helping families protect their mouth health through a wide range of treatments and services. Get a free consultation today, or contact us to learn more!
