Fix Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can be very painful and should be addressed as soon as possible! Our teeth have a system of nerves, blood, and tissue that can become susceptible to bacteria and food particles when a tooth is fractured. Every day we do things that can damage the protective enamel on our teeth, leaving them susceptible to injury. Hard food, opening packages with our teeth and even chewing ice can cause severe damage and fracture.
A fractured tooth cannot repair itself so even if you do not feel any pain, it is essential that you visit your dentist as quickly as possible to avoid further damage or even tooth loss. Left untreated, a fractured tooth can develop an infection in the pulp in which case you would require a root canal with a more invasive restorative treatment all of which will also be more costly.
In the event that you suddenly feel that you have cracked a tooth, it is important that you contact your dentist immediately even after hours or on the weekend. Most offices reserve time in their schedule for emergencies and even if the office is closed, you will be able to get their emergency contact number. As soon as you are able to see your dentist, they will be able to apply a temporary protective restoration to protect it until the tooth can be properly repaired.
Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth
There are quite a few options available to repair a cracked tooth. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may be able to repair your tooth with simple composite bonding or, in the case of more severe fractures, a porcelain crown or veneer.
If your tooth cracks below the gum line or if an infection develops before you have your tooth restored, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist for an evaluation to see if you need a root canal. A root canal will get you out of pain and allow you to keep your natural tooth as long as possible.
A very severe fracture may cause the tooth to be deemed hopeless and require extraction. Your dentist may then advise treatment in the form of a dental bridge or partial denture or even a dental implant to replace a tooth that has been extracted.
To keep your treatment and cost minimal, it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away! Even if you do have a fracture in your tooth and do not have any pain associated with it, it is important that you have the tooth repaired with a crown to avoid losing the tooth all together.