If your child has a broken or chipped tooth as a result of a very recent trauma or accident, contact your dentist immediately!
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If
your child has a broken or chipped tooth that is not the result of
a recent trauma, Dr. Gifford
can evaluate the tooth for possible treatment. It is still important to have
the tooth evaluated right away, because in some situations a minor procedure
now can prevent the need for a more significant procedure in the near future!
A very small chip may be corrected by enamel shaping. If the chip is a little larger, the best option may be bonding. Large chips and fractured teeth generally require a crown. If the fracture involves the nerve, Pulp Therapy or Root Canal Therapy may be necessary before the tooth is crowned. It is important to have a broken tooth crowned before it becomes infected or abscessed!
In extreme cases, a broken tooth cannot be saved. In this case, an extraction is needed. When an extraction is performed, it is important to put something in the place of the missing tooth or teeth. If the space is just left open, the surrounding teeth may shift and cause complications. When a child prematurely loses a primary tooth, they may need a space maintainer. The loss of a permanent tooth may call for a bridge or implant.
Each case is unique. Only your dentist can properly diagnose the best course of treatment for your tooth.
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© Copyright 2004- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Don R. Gifford, DDS, PC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.
