Emergency Dentistry Services for a Fractured Tooth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

emergency dentistry Cherry Hill, NJ

A fractured tooth requires emergency dentistry if the damage to the tooth affects its inner chambers. A fractured tooth can be caused by a variety of things like trauma from sports/accidents, biting on hard foods and bruxism.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many dentists limiting their services to only emergency dentistry to reduce the risk the virus poses to dentists and their patients. Many oral health professionals are now using video conferencing tools to diagnose patients and to help them determine if they need emergency dental care.

Emergency dentistry services for fractured teeth during COVID-19

There are a variety of ways to go about treating fractured teeth. The procedure the dentist recommends depends on the tooth's location and the severity of the fracture. Common treatments used to fix fractured teeth include:

Composite bonding

This is typically the cheapest way to fix a fractured tooth and it is usually used for mild to moderate fractures. It involves covering the tooth with a composite resin that is color-matched with the rest of the patient's teeth. The composite is shaped as desired before being hardened with a curing light. The process of composite bonding does not require any permanent alterations being made to the tooth. It only requires using an etching solution to roughen up the tooth. The patient is still free to cover up the fracture with some other restoration, like crowns, in the future.

Dental crowns

Crowns can be used for moderate to severe fractures. The tooth is prepared for the crown by removing enamel from all its sides. Reshaping the tooth creates a better fit for the crown. The crown is customized for the patient using an impression or digital images of their teeth. A crown prevents the tooth from breaking apart and protects it from bite forces generated when chewing.

Root canal

Root canals can be used to save severely fractured teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The procedure involves drilling a hole into the tooth and using files to remove the blood vessels and nerve. This helps to prevent the tooth from becoming infected. The dentist finishes the procedure by sealing the tooth and covering it up with a crown. A tooth that has been restored with a root canal can last the rest of the patient's life.

Extraction

This option is typically explored when the tooth is severely damaged as a result of the fracture. The dentist might opt for a surgical or simple extraction depending on how much of the tooth is left. An extraction counts as oral surgery and it can take up to two weeks to recover from it. The dentist will usually replace the extracted tooth with an implant, which is the next best thing to real teeth. Only a small percentage of fractured teeth require extraction.

Get emergency dentistry care for your fractured tooth

We are currently providing emergency dentistry despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Call or visit our Cherry Hill clinic to get the process started.

Request an appointment here: https://gentlesmilesdentistcherryhillnj.com or call Gentle Smiles of Cherry Hill at (856) 282-4709 for an appointment in our Cherry Hill office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life-Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental…

When A General Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life…

Root Canal Infections: The Symptoms And What You Can Do

Root canal infections occur when bacteria reach the central canals of your teeth due to exposure from taking a blow to the mouth or tooth decay. A root canal is a procedure performed for the purpose of repairing or salvaging a seriously decayed tooth or a tooth that has been severely infected. During a root…

What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns are the most popular restorations administered by a general dentist. Their ability to completely cap molar teeth makes them unique. Additionally, there are many options when it comes to the material that dental crowns are made of. This gives patients the ability to weigh the pros and cons of each material, allowing for…

Recent Posts

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life-Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental…

When A General Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

When A General Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life…