Trauma
Sadly teeth are not immune to the effects of trauma, with the resultant loss of the enamel and dentine that make up the hard tissues of the tooth. Most commonly this affects the incisor teeth, though posterior teeth, the premolars and molars, are prone to the loss of individual cusps. At the front of the mouth the effect of trauma can be very disfiguring.
Generally, these can be restored using directly placed composite resin. With significant fractures that extend to the pulpal tissues at the centre of the tooth, it may, in addition, be necessary to carry out root canal treatment first to remove or treat the damaged pulp first.
Repairing the effects of trauma
Fractured tip of incisor.
After restoration with tooth coloured composite.
Fractured tip of incisor
Repaired by sticking the fractured portions together and filling any defects with tooth coloured composite.
Multiple fractures
Direct restoration with tooth coloured composite.
Loss of a cusp
Tooth prior to fracture.
Fractured palatal cusp of UR5.
Repaired under Rubber Dam.
Cuspal repair with composite.