Three Common Causes Of Tooth Failure

Dental failure is an issue that many people will find themselves needing to address at some point during their lives. Sadly, when a tooth fails, it can be a very complicated process to repair. In order to better protect yourself against this potential hazard, you will need to have a strong understanding when it comes to the most common causes of tooth failure.

Decay

Dental decay is one of the more commonly encountered problems, and while filling a minor cavity is a fairly mild procedure, there are some patients that may delay having this treatment done. When this is the case, the decay can spread throughout much of the tooth, which may make it impossible to fully repair, which may result in the patient needing to receive a crown or dental implant to correct their appearance. For this reason, you will need to seek treatment at the first sign of developing a cavity as this problem will likely be approaching severe once symptoms become noticeable.

Chips And Cracks

Chips and cracks in your teeth can occur for a variety of reasons, and while this type of damage may cause some discomfort in the patient, it can also pose a significant risk to the tooth. When the exterior enamel of a tooth is compromised, bacteria will have an easier time getting into the soft tissue inside the tooth, which can lead to an abscess. In order to repair this type of damage, your dentist will need to apply a bonding material to the damaged area of the tooth to seal the damaged enamel. If the damage was severe enough to cause the tooth to become misshapen, it can be possible to restore the tooth's appearance by gradually adding more layers of bonding until its shape has been corrected.

Gum Disease

The condition of your gums may not seem as though it will be a major factor in protecting teeth, but the gums are an essential source of support for the teeth. As gum disease causes this tissue to recede, the tooth may become more prone to developing decay as there will be more exposed surface area to the teeth. Also, its root can become exposed, which can be extremely painful and may lead to the tooth dying. By treating the gum disease, you may be able to stop and reverse the gum loss. For those with severe gum disease, this may require surgery to restore the natural gum line, but if you seek treatment early, a thorough cleaning and special mouthwash will likely be able to correct this problem. Talk to your dentist about your options.