Horse riding is a fun outdoor pursuit, but accidents do happen, sometimes resulting in teeth being damaged or knocked out altogether. This is particularly the case in equestrian sports such as show jumping or one day eventing, where a loss of balance over a fence can lead to a rider being hit in the mouth as the horse throws his head up or a fall where the rider's face and jaw take the impact first.
If you've damaged your teeth in a riding accident, you may be wondering what the best course of action would be to repair your smile. Read on to find out more about the two of the options available.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns can be used to hide teeth that have been chipped, cracked or broken. The crown is usually fitted over the damaged tooth, which may be reshaped to accommodate it. If necessary, the dentist will sculpt a piece of metal filling over what remains of the tooth, and the crown will be fitted to this.
There are three varieties of dental crowns:
Porcelain crowns are used to repair your front teeth. The crowns are made to match the shape and colour of the adjacent teeth, so that the effect is totally natural.
Porcelain-on-metal crowns combine the natural look of porcelain with the strength of a gold crown and can be used for both the front and back teeth. This type of crown is usually a cheaper option than solid gold.
Gold crowns are generally used to repair the back teeth. This is because gold is particularly strong and durable, so it can withstand the daily wear and use it will be subjected to.
Crown fitting usually requires two visits to your dentist. On the first visit, the dentist will make a mould of your tooth in order to create the new crown. A temporary restoration will be fitted to your tooth to cover the damage while you wait for your new crown. The crown will be fitted during your second consultation. The crown is firmly fixed to your damaged tooth with dental cement, leaving you with a perfect smile once again.
Dental crowns don't need any special care; you simply look after them as you would your normal teeth.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are used to plug (bridge) the gap left by a tooth that has been knocked out. A natural-looking dental bridge is attached to both sides of the gap, effectively filling it. There are three types of dental bridges:
Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. A crown is created for the teeth on either side of the gap and a dental bridge is fitted in between.
A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the gap.
Resin-bonded bridges are constructed from porcelain false teeth set into artificial gums on a metal framework. The bridge is then bonded to your natural teeth.
Dental bridgework usually takes place over two consultations. On your first visit, the dentist will shape your existing teeth to make sure that the bridge will fit comfortably. An impression is then taken of your teeth, and this is used to create the bridge. On your second visit the bridge will be fitted and cemented to the teeth adjacent to the gap.
Crowns and bridges are designed to be permanent, although it's a good idea to wear a gum shield when riding in order to protect your teeth in the future.
In conclusion
If you've damaged your teeth in a riding accident, your dentist may be able to repair them using a dental crown or bridge. It's also worth noting that many horse insurance policies will cover the cost of dental work following a riding accident.
For more information, contact Williams Landing Dental Clinic or a similar location.
Share12 May 2016
When I had my first child, I was a nervous wreck. Every book I read gave different advice, and I just wanted to be right! By the time I had my third child, some of the stress had abated. I now realised, there were tons of different perspectives on everything related to raising children including dentistry. To help parents, I have created this blog dedicated to unraveling dental myths about children. I am including posts that weigh both sides of issues such as thumb sucking, dental caries, breastfeeding, flossing and any other topic I can think of. I hope you find the information you need to unravel dental myths, but most importantly, I hope you find some peace of mind. With kids and dentistry, there can be more than one right answer, and I want you to be able to relax and go with the answer that's right for you.
