How is a fractured tooth repaired?

[chickenjen]

Hi,
I found out from my dentist that my front lower left tooth is fractured. I guess it's pretty deep (though my dentist did not give specifics as not to scare me). They could see it on X-Ray and I guess the beginnings of decay is starting to happen so I am scheduled to get this taken care of in 3 weeks.
My question is, how do they repair a fractured tooth and do I run any risk of losing the tooth?
It was fractured because I chew (rather than bite) on those teeth because I have no upper back teeth to chew on.
Thanks,
Jen

 

[drhirst]

Hi Ckickenjen,
Most likely the tooth will be repaired with white filling material (composite resin). Depending on the damage, a crown may be indicated. Impossible to say more than that without seeing your tooth.
If there was a chance of the tooth having to be extracted, your dentist would have warned you in advance.

Lincoln

 

[chickenjen]

Thanks for the reply, drhirst.
So it would pretty much be like a normal filling for a cavity then? I've had fillings before so I know what to expect, but when they said "fractured" that scared me a bit.
Thanks again,
Jen

 

[drhirst]

Thanks for the reply, drhirst.
So it would pretty much be like a normal filling for a cavity then? I've had fillings before so I know what to expect, but when they said "fractured" that scared me a bit.
Thanks again,
JHen

Yes, we generally used the term fractured to refer to a crack in a part of the tooth rather than the tooth being rotten though decay. However, the way we repair the damage in either case is pretty much the same.

Lincoln

 

[chickenjen]

Thanks again. I appreciate the reply. I feel I can breathe a little easier going into this appointment.