How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Heal Your Facial Trauma?
Facial trauma (medically termed maxillofacial trauma) is more common than you think. Not just sportspeople and motorists, a facial injury may befall anyone. Usually, the teeth are the focal point of most injuries. On the bright side, in the past few decades, cosmetic dentistry has advanced enough to completely reserve the cosmetic repercussions of an accident.
Types of Facial/Dental Trauma
A facial or dental injury can be generally classified under any of the following three types.
Mouth And Tooth Injury
Mouth and tooth injuries are a common type of facial trauma. Broken or chipped teeth can be fixed using restorative oral surgery. The treatment involves multiple steps and may involve bone grafts.
Bone Trauma
Facial bone trauma can affect the jaw, cheeks, nose, and eye sockets. Surgery is expected to heal and restore function to the damaged area. Also, since the cosmetic impact of maxillofacial bones is extremely important, the surgeon is also responsible for reconstructing your facial structure.
Soft Tissue Injury
Lacerations in the soft tissues of the face fall under non-emergent medical conditions and are considerably easier to heal. Still, do get checked out since a particularly deep wound can interfere with the salivary glands and even the facial nerves.
Common Tooth Ailments and Procedures to Cure Them
Tooth Discoloration
When the blood vessels in the tooth pulp tear, it discolors the dentin. This discolored dentin is visible through the enamel and thus, a cosmetic concern for many. The damaged blood vessel can also limit blood supply to the area causing nerve damage.
Treatment
Veneers -
Dental veneers are thin shells often made of porcelain used to fix your teeth’s appearance. These shells are custom-fitted and made to match the color of your natural teeth. Veneers are durable, lasting up to 20 years with the proper care.
Whitening -
Whitening is another popular treatment for tooth discoloration. There are a lot of home whitening techniques available (whitening strips etc.) in addition to bleaching treatments at the dentist’s.
Fractured or Chipped Tooth
If you ended up chipping your tooth trying to kiss the TV (fellow Evelyn Hugo stans will know this) or had a series of less romantic events lead to a fractured tooth, don’t worry. Cosmetic dentistry can offer options that will restore your smile to its former glory in no time.
Treatment
Bonding -
Bonding is an easy solution to minor chips. The enamel of the tooth is etched and made to bond with a resin liquid. The liquid matches the color of your tooth. It hides chips or tiny broken fragments very well.
Crowns -
Crowns are used for teeth with bigger chips. It is essentially a porcelain cap that is fixed on top of the broken tooth and cemented for a secure hold. Crowns should be taken care of to make sure they last 10-15 years.
Veneers too can be used to improve the appearance of chipped teeth.
Avulsed Teeth
Avulsed teeth are the medical jargon for teeth that have been knocked clean off. Avulsed teeth count as a dental emergency and should be immediately addressed. The wrong treatment can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time.
Treatment
Dental Implants -
Dental implants are screwed into the jawbone. This ensures that the tooth remains secured and doesn’t let the jaw decline with unuse. Implants look natural and don’t alter the natural topography of your mouth. They are a permanent solution, and a little care will serve you a lifetime.
Dentures -
Dentures can come incomplete or partial sets and are clasped in place. They are an affordable option, leaving room for replacement in the future. You may have heard of dentists attaching the original tooth. This is actually possible if you visit the dentist immediately after it comes off. Some dentists also suggest storing the tooth submerged in milk to keep it from drying out.
Best Dental Care In Oklahoma City
Comprehensive Family Dentistry brings state of art medical technology and extraordinarily skilled dentists manning them, right to your doorstep in Oklahoma City. Cosmetic dentistry is one of our many specializations. Schedule your appointment today at (405) 947-0044 or book online!
**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.