What Is Front Tooth Damage and What Are the Treatment Options
You probably think losing your two front teeth as a child was very cool. It was an exciting milestone in your childhood.
But if you are an adult losing two front teeth, you won't feel the same way. It is quite embarrassing and can result in low self-esteem. Luckily, adults can replace broken front teeth with implants, bridges and crowns that can help you smile with confidence again.
Leading Causes of Front Tooth Damage and Loss
There are three main reasons for tooth damage or loss.
Knocked Out Teeth
Injuries or accidents sometimes damage or knock out teeth. An estimated 5 million kids and adults get their teeth knocked out or damaged every year due to an injury or accident, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
Examining your teeth can help prevent periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease, in which your gum and underlying bone tissue can recede away from the roots of your teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2 percent of adults over 30 have gum disease.
Tooth Decay
If remedies don't treat your tooth decay, it might already be severe and need extraction.
Proper oral care and hygiene can prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and use antimicrobial mouthwash and flossers/or aids to reach between teeth. Regular dental cleaning visits with a dental hygienist can avoid such conditions.
If you experience either gum disease or tooth decay, there are treatments available. Don't wait for the next appointment to have it checked; you should see your dental hygienist or dentist immediately.
Learn more about gum disease and tooth decay treatment options below.
Emergency Care
If you've chipped your tooth, you may experience pain, but most dentists don't consider it an emergency. In most cases, you'll be able to make an appointment for a regular checkup in a day or two to discuss the options for filling the chip or repairing the tooth.
If your front tooth is knocked out completely, see your dentist immediately to get emergency dental care to save it.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the tooth is most likely to survive if it is put back into place within five minutes. You are still expected to get good results between five minutes and an hour. After an hour, however, survival rates drop significantly; you should act as quickly as possible.
Front Tooth Repair or Replacement
Here are the two most popular treatment options if you have partially cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
Bonding
You can fix a small crack or chip using composite filling material. Your dentist will mold the material to fill in the damaged spot and then harden it to match the hardness of your natural tooth enamel. This procedure can last five to ten years.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a surgical procedure that places metal fixtures in your mouth. The metal fixtures become anchored to your jawbone through osseointegration (bone fusing to metal). This stable anchor lets you eat and speak with confidence.
After getting an implant, the healing process can take 6-12 weeks. Your dentist will then place a metal post (abutment) into your implant, onto which they will mount your replacement tooth.
Conclusion
To keep your teeth healthy, brush and floss daily and see your dental hygienist for regular checkups. However, if you knock out or break a tooth, you must see a dentist immediately.
Two common dental repairs are dental bonding and dental implants. Your dental professional will determine which repair procedure is appropriate based on the severity of the case.
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