Trauma

Cracked Tooth

Sometimes teeth can develop cracks. Cracks can come from trauma or large fillings that over time weaken the rest of the tooth.

A cracked tooth may or may not be sensitive to hot and cold, or be painful when biting or chewing. If cracks in the teeth are not treated, serious consequences for your oral health can happen. Even small cracks can allow bacteria into the tooth, causing decay or infection and leading to further destruction.

Cracks that progress too far can result in entire sections of the tooth breaking off, and in some cases, loss of the entire tooth.

Fractured Tooth

A tooth fracture is defined by a tooth breaking above the gumline and a portion of it completely separating. The severity of fracture depends on the depth of tooth structure exposed. This often occurs as the result of trauma or impact to the face and mouth.

When a tooth has fractured deep enough to expose the inner dentin layer beneath the hard enamel, it can cause increased sensitivity and make the tooth more prone to decay if left untreated. It notably affects the appearance of your smile and can create sharp edges to the tooth that cause discomfort.

As part of the diagnostic process, typically our assistants will take a series of x-rays of the area to verify additional injury beyond what is visible has not occurred.

It is important to seek treatment for a fractured tooth immediately so that Dr. Dyras can evaluate the area, rule out additional injury, and restore your damaged tooth to its optimal appearance and function.

Tooth Loss/Knocked out Tooth

Avulsion occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket or "knocked out"- this often occurs as the result of trauma or impact to the face and mouth.

Normally your tooth is held within the socket by what is called the periodontal ligament. When a tooth is knocked out this connection is torn loose.

Typically the empty socket will fill with blood as a natural response to the injury. 

Oftentimes Dr. Dyras will take a series of x-rays of the area while diagnosing the injury to verify additional damage beyond what is visible has not occurred.

It is important to seek treatment for an avulsed tooth immediately to provide the best likelihood that Dr. Dyras can preserve your tooth. Dr. Dyras will discuss options with you that provide the best possible outcome.