A hard blow to the face or other oral accident can sometimes carry so much force that it shatters or severely cracks a tooth. This is usually a traumatic experience that can cause so much damage to the internal structures of the tooth that it simply cannot be saved. If this is the case, your dentists, Drs. Kinney, Musser, and Kinney, might recommend extracting the entire tooth and suturing the gums. This will effectively treat the pain and reduce future complications.
Once your gums have completely healed, Drs. Kinney, Musser, and Kinney can help you understand your restoration options. In the past, bridge work was seen as the only viable method for fully restoring an extracted tooth. Today, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in restorative dentistry.
At the start of the treatment process, our dentists will examine the area and take a few X-rays. This way they can determine if you have sufficient bone structure to mount a dental implant. If the extraction caused the loss of bone structure in the jaw, then they might recommend having a bone graft.
The dental implant procedure in Woodbury, Minnesota, involves an oral surgeon drilling a small channel into your jawbone. Then, a titanium implant will be screwed into place. Titanium is the metal of choice because it is biologically inert and will eventually fuse to your jawbone. This will create a very strong anchor that will eventually secure a crown.
If you have a cracked, damaged or missing tooth, you should contact Art & Science Family Dentistry at 651-739-1894 for immediate treatment.