15
May
An Untreated Dental Fracture Might Allow a Dangerous Cavity to Form
Dental fractures can originate from a wide range of sources. These could include forgoing the use of a quality mouthguard during night grinding or contact sports. At the same time, bad habits like chewing on stray desktop items or using your teeth to replace tools can also cause a fracture in tooth enamel.
Even if the fractured tooth doesn’t cause you significant distress, the damaged area of tooth enamel could attract and trap bacterial residue. Left untreated, this could cause a cavity to form deep in the compromised dental structure.
The severity and location of the dental fracture will influence the treatment method Dr. Matthew Scaffa recommends at Dental Art Concepts PLLC.
A small dental fracture that is limited to the enamel layer of the tooth might be repairable with a simple amalgam or composite filling. If the damage is on the biting surface of a molar or premolar we might advocate using a large inlay or onlay filling.
If you experience pain or heightened sensitivity in the tooth, it likely means that the fracture has penetrated the sensitive interior of the tooth. In a case like this, our dentist might need to perform a root canal. Then the tooth enamel can be restored by installing a crown.
In the case of severe dental fracture where the root of the tooth or the socket is badly damaged, our dentist might recommend a total dental extraction. Once your gums have healed we can help you decide if you would like to restore the tooth with a bridge or dental implant.
If you have suffered a dental fracture on one of your teeth, and you live in the Staten Island, New York, area, you should call (718) 313-4343 to have it examined and treated.
Dr. Matthew Scaffa
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Matthew Thomas Scaffa, DDS, graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University. He has been a dentist in Staten Island, NY, for over 35 years.
Dr. Scaffa annually attends continuing education courses to stay current on emerging technologies and procedures in dentistry. He has received advanced training in implants, Invisalign, and veneers. He is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and the 2nd District Dental Society.
Dr. Scaffa opened his practice in 1985 and moved to more spacious premises several times before settling at the current location in 2000. He believes in “over-delivering” professional and high-quality dental care so patients will have healthy and beautiful smiles. Among the accolades he has received include being in the 99th percentile on Healthgrades for Dental Providers in the New York Area, a Top pick for NextDoor Neighborhood Faves ratings, and the MetLife SpotLite on Oral Health designation.