Cracked, Worn or Missing Teeth

Teeth are made of enamel, the hardest substance in your body. So if you're experiencing premature wear and tear or damage to your teeth, even if your dental hygiene is otherwise good, something might be amiss.

Many cases of damaged teeth are the result of accidents, such as falls or impacts. However, long-term wearing and tearing of teeth may be caused by a condition known as bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, which often occurs at night. The extra pressure of the teeth pressing and grinding against each other can result in premature damage. Bruxism can have psychological causes, such as stress and anxiety. More often, though, bruxism is caused by crooked or misaligned teeth, which can lead to abnormal bite pressure.

Can grinding my teeth cause cavities?

Grinding wears through enamel, and thinner enamel is easier for decay to get into, so the two travel together more often than people expect. The wear itself also changes how your teeth meet, which is why we look at the bite rather than only filling what has already broken down.

Can a cracked tooth be saved?

Often, yes, and the answer depends on where the crack runs rather than how it looks. That is what the examination and the x-rays are for. Dr. Lambert will tell you plainly what he found and what he thinks it needs.

What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?

Every day that you continue to wear conventional dentures or have missing teeth, bone loss will occur. By preventing the jawbone loss that would normally occur after removal of teeth, your facial structures remain normal and intact, and the soft tissue, cheeks, lips and chin keep their volume, preventing that fallen-in look. In some cases, such as complete teeth removal, the lower one-third of the face collapses if dental implants are not placed to preserve the bone.

What are the repair options?

By using ceramic crowns, fillings, and veneers, Dr. Lambert can restore damaged teeth, or a worn or heavy painful bite, with natural-looking materials. Where grinding is driving the damage, a night guard or bite splint reduces the pressure so the repair holds.

What if it's a difficult case, or I want a second opinion?

We take pride in our reputation for doing the job right the first time, and this ethos extends to even the most difficult cases. We tackle such cases in collaboration with skilled and knowledgeable specialists working in dental laboratories that deliver the most esthetic and durable restorations. If you think you have a difficult case, or want to correct aging, failed, or painful dental work, or maybe you just want a second opinion you can trust, we can help you.