Fix Cracked Teeth

A tooth can crack and a split second and can be very painful. If you find that you have cracked a tooth, it is very important to visit your dentist even if you are not experiencing any pain. A cracked tooth is vulnerable to bacteria and food particles that can get into the crack and cause an infection. Within a tooth is a system of nerves, blood, and tissue and if they become infected, you can develop an abscess or require a root canal.

Damaged teeth do not repair themselves and restorations only get more expensive as damage is left untreated. If you feel that you have cracked a tooth, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Most dental offices reserve emergency time in their schedule every day and even if they do not have time to repair your tooth, they can apply a protective restoration to prevent further damage until you can be seen for treatment. If you crack a tooth outside of business hours, call your dental office anyway as most will have an emergency contact number

How is a cracked tooth fixed?

Depending on the extent of damage, a cracked tooth can be fixed with a treatment as simple as composite bonding or as extensive as a dental implant.

A very small fracture may be able to be fixed with composite bonding which is a composite, tooth colored material. Your dentist will start by cleaning and drying the tooth before applying an acidic etching material which creates a rough surface for the composite bonding to adhere to. The bonding is applied and shaped then cured with an ultraviolet light and finally smooth and polished.

A larger fracture may require a dental crown or veneer. Crowns and veneers are fabricated using porcelain which is incredibly durable and stain resistant. For this procedure, your doctor will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, just enough to allow space for the restoration. While the procedure for crowns and veneers is the same, a veneer is much thinner and requires the loss of less tooth structure. A crown fits over the entire surface of the exposed tooth and a veneer only covers the front surface.

If the tooth becomes infected, you may need a root canal. A root canal is performed by an endodontist and removes the underlying pulp of the tooth, which houses the nerves causing you pain! A root canal will get you out of pain while allowing you to keep your natural tooth as long as possible.

On occasion, a tooth can crack below the gumline or down into the route structure. When this happens, the tooth is deemed hopeless and must come out. If you have to have an extraction, your dentist may recommend a dental implant to restore the area.

In order to save your tooth and keep your cost down, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as you suspect you have a cracked tooth.

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