Can a Broken, Decayed Tooth Be Saved?
While regular brushing and flossing are important for keeping teeth healthy, sometimes teeth become damaged due to decay. In many cases, the damage can be so severe that a dental crown or even a root canal may be necessary for saving a tooth. But is it possible to save a broken, decayed tooth?
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save teeth that have become severely decayed, broken, or infected. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infection and damaged tissue from the inside of the tooth and fill the remaining space with a special filling material. This helps to restore the tooth's strength and protect it from further damage.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth has been so severely damaged by decay that a root canal cannot restore it, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to provide it with extra protection and strength. The crown is made of a durable material such as porcelain or metal and is custom-made to fit the existing tooth.
Extraction
In some cases, a broken, decayed tooth may be so severely damaged that a root canal or a crown cannot save it. In these cases, the dentist may recommend an extraction. This involves removing the tooth from the jawbone and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.
The only way to determine if a broken, decayed tooth can be saved is by consulting with a dentist. During an examination, the dentist will take X-rays and assess the condition of the tooth to determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, a simple filling may be enough to restore the tooth. In other cases, a root canal or a dental crown may be necessary. If the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be recommended.