I’m running out of time. After splitting my tooth, I’ve been to three dentists in the last three days who say the only option is to extract it. I want to save my tooth. How can I find a dentist willing to give it a try and not just remove the tooth? How do I know that it can’t be saved? Thanks. Daniel from Tulsa, OK
Daniel,
Sometimes it is possible to save a fractured tooth. But the tooth needs immediate attention. If a dentist can save the tooth can be saved, the fracture must be treated within a day or two. Although you didn’t tell us when your tooth was fractured, if it’s been at least three days, it’s too late to save the tooth.
Saving a Tooth with a Vertical Fracture
If the fracture is vertical, some advanced dentists have had success with the following technique:
- Remove all debris from the fracture
- Fit the pieces of the tooth together precisely
- Apply bonding to the surface
- Prepare the tooth for a crown and keep the segments immobile
- After the tooth is stable, determine if endodontic treatment is needed
- Protect the tooth with a durable dental crown
- Schedule regular checkups to ensure the tooth is stable and not infected
For details, read a reprint of the article, Restoration of fractured teeth—a long-term study on mynewsmile.com. Although it may be too late to save your tooth, it’s not too late to share the research with the dentists you visited.
After Extraction
No form of tooth replacement is as effective as a natural tooth, but a dental implant is a good substitute. Implant components mimic natural teeth. The artificial root is a stable foundation for a new dental crown.
Entrust your extraction to a skilled general dentist or oral surgeon and find a dentist who has completed extensive post-graduate training in dental implants. You’ll get long-lasting results that look natural.
Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.