When a tooth is cracked, chipped, or decayed, it’s easy to panic and think, “Am I going to lose this tooth?” At Southeast Family Dental, we understand that your natural teeth are precious, and we go to great lengths to save them whenever possible. After all, nothing beats your own teeth for chewing, smiling, and keeping your mouth healthy.
Why Fight to Save Natural Teeth?
You might be wondering, why not just replace a damaged tooth? The truth is, natural teeth have unique advantages. They help you chew efficiently, maintain proper bite alignment, and support the jawbone. Losing even one tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, create bite problems, and even lead to bone loss over time. That’s why our philosophy is simple: if a tooth can be saved safely, we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.
How Do Dentists Decide What Can Be Repaired?
When you come to Southeast Family Dental, we start by taking a close look at your tooth and your overall oral health. Here’s what we consider:
- The Extent of Damage — A small cavity or chip is usually easy to fix. If decay has reached the tooth’s pulp or nerves, a root canal may be needed.
- Structural Integrity — We check if the tooth is strong enough to support a filling, crown, or other repair. Tiny cracks can often be reinforced, but severely fractured teeth may be more challenging.
- Gum and Bone Support — Healthy gums and jawbone are essential for a repaired tooth to stay stable. Periodontal issues may change how we approach treatment.
- Your Overall Oral Health — We also consider bite alignment, habits like grinding, and other dental work when planning repairs.
Common Ways We Repair Teeth
Depending on the situation, we have several options to save your natural teeth:
- Dental Fillings — Perfect for minor cavities or small chips.
- Dental Crowns — Strengthen weakened or cracked teeth.
- Root Canals — Remove infection while keeping the tooth intact.
- Dental Bonding or Veneers — Repair chips, fractures, or cosmetic concerns.
Even when a tooth seems damaged, modern dental techniques often make it possible to restore function and appearance without removing it.
When Extraction Is the Only Option
There are times when a tooth cannot be saved safely. Severe fractures, advanced decay, or extensive infection can leave extraction as the best option. But even then, we focus on preserving your oral health and restoring your smile with implants, bridges, or other solutions so you can chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Call Our Dentist in Indianapolis, IN
The key to saving teeth is catching problems early. Routine exams at Southeast Family Dental allow us to spot issues before they worsen, giving you more options for repair and less invasive treatments.
Don’t wait for pain or visible damage to get worse. Call Southeast Family Dental today to schedule your checkup and let us help protect your natural teeth.