“Failing teeth” can fall under many categories: severe infection and toothaches, discoloration, broken, displaced, and knocked-out teeth. Please call Dental Excellence, Advanced Prosthodontics, and Dentistry of Towson at (410) 828-1177 if you have any sudden problems with your teeth.
Dr. Patrick L. Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson will help you get the right treatment for your dental problem. If you have been told that you have failing or “hopeless” teeth, schedule a consultation with our trained prosthodontists to explore treatment options, and restore your smile. Our goal is to provide “excellence” in dental care. We take the time to get it right for stable and lasting results.
What Causes Tooth Failure?
Your teeth can “fail” or lose their normal function for many different reasons. Common causes include gum disease, cavities, tooth injuries, and dental emergencies. When a tooth is failing, it can affect your ability to chew, speak, and even your overall oral health.
Toothache
A toothache can be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease as well as worn tooth enamel. You may feel hypersensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help, contact our office. Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson can examine your teeth and recommend the best treatment to relieve pain and prevent further damage.
Tooth Discoloration
Teeth can become discolored for several reasons. Infections, smoking, and other tobacco use can darken your teeth over time. Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and sodas, can also leave stains. Additionally, gum disease may cause your tooth enamel to appear yellow, brown, or uneven. Our dental team can help determine the cause of discoloration and suggest treatments to restore a healthier, brighter smile.
Fracture
Tooth fractures can range from minor chipping to large breaks at the root. We utilize dental x-rays to diagnose, locate, and measure the extent of tooth fracture. If you have recently fractured a tooth, rinse it with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
If the tooth is broken in half, locate and save any broken tooth fragments. You can stabilize the remaining portion of the tooth by gently biting on a towel or handkerchief to control bleeding. If your fractured or cracked tooth is the result of a more complex problem such as a bite disorder, we’ll recommend appropriate treatment to repair damage and address concerns.
Displaced Teeth
Displaced teeth may seem elongated or shorter, rotated, sideways, or pushed forward and backward. The sooner that we can evaluate the site, the easier it may be to bring the tooth back into proper alignment. We will also evaluate the displaced tooth periodically to determine if you need a root canal procedure or tooth extraction.
If one of your upper teeth hangs down or a lower tooth rises up, you can try to reposition your tooth using pressure from your finger. It is possible to stabilize the tooth by gently biting on a towel or handkerchief. You can do the same if one of your teeth is pushed back or pulled forward.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Upper front permanent teeth are the most common teeth to be completely knocked out. If you knock out a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, or top. Gently rinse the tooth of debris. You can try to place the tooth back in its socket and gently bite down.
If this doesn’t work, keep it in the side of your cheek or in a cup of saliva. You need to seek dental care immediately. We can try to reattach the tooth with a splint in our office.
How We Treat Failed Teeth
When your teeth are damaged, decayed, or failing, you want to get the right care quickly to protect your oral health. At our dental office, we offer a range of treatments to restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy. Treatments for failed teeth in Towson, MD, include:
- Dental Implants: We may recommend an implant if we need to remove a problem tooth or if you already have a lost tooth. Implants replace the tooth root and support a crown, bridge, or denture. Restorations secured by implants also last longer than removable options.
- Root Canal Treatment: When a tooth’s nerve or pulp becomes infected, a root canal can save the tooth. This procedure removes the infection, relieves pain, and restores the tooth. We may also recommend a crown after your root canal therapy if needed to protect your weakened tooth.
- Tooth Extractions: Sometimes a tooth is too damaged to save. In these cases, we recommend a dental extraction to safely remove the tooth. Removing a problematic tooth can prevent infection or damage to your surrounding teeth. Our team can provide a comfortable experience with minimal pain.
- Dental Crowns: We may recommend a crown if you have worn, broken, damaged, or weakened teeth. Also known as a tooth cap, a crowns restore the strength and function of your tooth. Our office uses tooth-colored crowns for a beautiful look.
- Periodontal Treatment: Gum disease can cause teeth to fail if left untreated. Our Towson periodontist provides specialized care to treat gum disease. Periodontal therapy can reduce gum inflammation and protect your teeth and bone structure.
- Teeth Whitening: You can benefit from professional whitening if you have surface stains. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and some foods and drinks can stain teeth over time. We can revamp your teeth with a whitening treatment.
Call our dental office if you aren’t sure what treatment you need or if you need multiple treatments. Our dentists will exmaine your mouth and then guide you to the right treatments. We’ll examine your mouth for problems and can offer emergency care if you need immediate treatment.
Request a Consultation
Are you tired of tooth pain and discomfort? It’s never too late to treat failed teeth in our Towson, MD, dental office. Call Dental Excellence today at (410) 514-6553. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.
Let us know if you have any current concerns. We’re happy to help you restore your tooth health and function.