Damaged teeth is a very broad term, so talking about what can be done to repair or improve them is difficult as the solution depends on the circumstances.
Damage to teeth can come from a myriad of sources such as sporting injury, trauma to the mouth or face, falling, disease or decay.
The extent to which the teeth are damaged will, in part, depend on which of these problems has occurred.
Common consequences of damaged teeth are cracks, chips and fractures.
In minor cases of tooth damage there is no pain, but the patient tends to notice very early on that something is different, as their tongue quickly picks up on the uneven surface of a cracked or chipped tooth.
Similarly, whilst there may be no pain from a diseased or decaying tooth, such problems can spread and in some cases it is important to remove the problem tooth in order to 'protect' the surrounding teeth.
In other cases of damaged teeth, the nerve may be exposed and damaged and this can result in severe pain when hot or cold food or drink is consumed or when cool air makes contact with the nerve.
Cracks and small chips will normally be repaired by a dentist using filling material, this is a relatively straight forward process.
In some cases, more serious tooth damage might render the tooth in question un-salvageable and a dentist might recommend that it is better to remove it.
In these cases, all is not lost as a number of options exist for replacing teeth which have been either lost completely or removed.
Depending on the number of teeth that have been lost, the budget of the individual and the stability of their jaw bone and remaining teeth, a crown, dental implants or a bridge could be used, as well as the possibility of a cheaper, removable device.
By and large, it is considered preferable to use dental implants wherever possible, as they are known to be incredibly durable, often lasting a lifetime, and they preserve the jaw bone.
A professional dentist will be able to assess the situation and determine the most beneficial procedure for your specific damaged teeth and, if necessary, advise on how to prevent further damage.
Disease and decay can often be prevented or reduced with improved oral hygiene, so make sure you ask their advice if this is the cause of your tooth damage.
Damage to teeth can come from a myriad of sources such as sporting injury, trauma to the mouth or face, falling, disease or decay.
The extent to which the teeth are damaged will, in part, depend on which of these problems has occurred.
Common consequences of damaged teeth are cracks, chips and fractures.
In minor cases of tooth damage there is no pain, but the patient tends to notice very early on that something is different, as their tongue quickly picks up on the uneven surface of a cracked or chipped tooth.
Similarly, whilst there may be no pain from a diseased or decaying tooth, such problems can spread and in some cases it is important to remove the problem tooth in order to 'protect' the surrounding teeth.
In other cases of damaged teeth, the nerve may be exposed and damaged and this can result in severe pain when hot or cold food or drink is consumed or when cool air makes contact with the nerve.
Cracks and small chips will normally be repaired by a dentist using filling material, this is a relatively straight forward process.
In some cases, more serious tooth damage might render the tooth in question un-salvageable and a dentist might recommend that it is better to remove it.
In these cases, all is not lost as a number of options exist for replacing teeth which have been either lost completely or removed.
Depending on the number of teeth that have been lost, the budget of the individual and the stability of their jaw bone and remaining teeth, a crown, dental implants or a bridge could be used, as well as the possibility of a cheaper, removable device.
By and large, it is considered preferable to use dental implants wherever possible, as they are known to be incredibly durable, often lasting a lifetime, and they preserve the jaw bone.
A professional dentist will be able to assess the situation and determine the most beneficial procedure for your specific damaged teeth and, if necessary, advise on how to prevent further damage.
Disease and decay can often be prevented or reduced with improved oral hygiene, so make sure you ask their advice if this is the cause of your tooth damage.