Great place and family friendly. Lexie (dental hygienist) was wonderful with my 5 and 3 year old today as she cleaned their teeth. Wendy (receptionist) was so kind to my kids and helped keep them entertained as I got my teeth cleaned. I have always had a great experience here and highly recommend going!
A damaged tooth can make eating, speaking, or even smiling feel different. Cracks, chips, decay, and wear can also get worse without care.
If you have damaged teeth in Ames, IA, learning what caused the problem is the first step toward finding the right repair.
Call Dentistry At Somerset today at 515-337-2244 for an appointment.
What Causes Teeth to Become Damaged?
The short answer: Teeth are strong, but daily use, injuries, and decay can weaken them.
Some damage happens in an instant. You might bite into a hard piece of food, fall, or get hit in the mouth during sports. Other problems develop slowly over months or years.
Some everyday habits and unexpected events can put your teeth at risk. Damage may result from:
- Cavities that wear away healthy tooth structure
- Frequent teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Biting down on ice, hard candy, or other firm foods
- Opening wrappers, bags, or containers with your teeth
- A blow to the mouth from a fall, accident, or sports activity
- Large or older fillings that weaken a tooth
- Acid wear from certain foods and drinks
Why it matters: A small problem can become a larger one. A crack may grow deeper, while untreated decay can reach the soft tissue inside your tooth.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Tooth?
A tooth problem may not hurt all the time. Instead, you might feel a sharp or uneven spot with your tongue, or notice that chewing on one side of your mouth suddenly feels uncomfortable.
Watch for pain while chewing, new sensitivity to hot or cold foods, swelling near a tooth, or a visible crack or chip. You may also notice that part of a filling or tooth is missing.
Schedule a dental exam if something feels different. Your dentist can examine the area, find the source of the problem, and see how much of the tooth can still be preserved.
What Are Your Options for Repairing a Damaged Tooth?
What to know: Treatment depends on the type and extent of the damage. Dentists have several ways to restore damaged teeth in Ames, IA, and treatment is based on the condition of each tooth.
A small area of decay may need a filling. The dentist removes the damaged portion and fills the space with a strong dental material. Bonding may repair a minor chip or flaw. For a small chip, your dentist may apply a material that matches your tooth and shape it to fill the broken area.
More serious damage may call for a crown. This restoration fits over the tooth to give it support and help it handle normal biting.
If the soft center of the tooth becomes infected or injured, a root canal may be the next step. During treatment, the dentist clears out the unhealthy tissue, cleans the inner space, and closes it with a filling material. The tooth may then receive a crown to help keep it strong.
Sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged to repair. In that case, the dentist may recommend removing it. A dental implant or another tooth replacement may then fill the open space.
Can You Prevent More Dental Damage?
Start with simple habits: Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and visit your dentist for routine care.
Avoid chewing ice, pens, and other hard objects. Never use your teeth as tools. Wear a mouthguard during sports, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
Most importantly, do not ignore a tooth that hurts or feels different. Early care for damaged teeth in Ames, IA may allow for a simpler repair and help protect more of your natural tooth.
Call Dentistry at Somerset today at 515-337-2244 for an appointment in Ames, IA. You can also request an appointment online. Have your damaged tooth checked and learn which treatment can restore its health and function.