Can Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
If you have a crack in your tooth, you may be wondering if it can be repaired (and what that would involve).
A tooth fracture isn’t extremely uncommon, but it is something that needs to be addressed. Below is information about the causes, what to look for, and some potential options to save a cracked tooth.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
There are a few things that can lead to a tooth cracking. These include:
- Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
- Chewing on hard objects
- Biting hard foods
- Trauma
- Age
What to Look For
While the most obvious sign of a cracked tooth is visible damage, there are other signs you can look for to better determine if your tooth is cracked (especially if you can’t directly see a crack):
- Swelling
- Ongoing tooth pain
- Pain when eating
- Sensitivity
Can Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
While the tooth will never grow back, there are a few options to repair cracks and even save the remainder of the tooth. These include:
- Bonding: Dental bonding involves the placement of a tooth-colored resin on the tooth that fills in the crack and returns the tooth to its natural appearance. This is more of a cosmetic fix.
- Veneer: Dental veneers involve replacing a more substantial portion of a tooth. The tooth is reshaped to place a durable prosthetic.
- Dental crown: A dental crown is for more severe damage. It replaces the crown of a tooth with a strong prosthetic. This helps to protect the root of the tooth and allows you to continue to bite and chew like normal.
If your crack has become severe enough and/or has become infected, your dentist may need to consider extraction. This is a last-resort measure, though.
How Do I Prevent a Cracked Tooth?
Cracked teeth aren’t a foregone conclusion. There are some pretty easy steps that you can take to prevent a cracked tooth from occurring.
One thing you can do right now is stop chewing on hard objects. Ice, pens, hard candy, and so on can damage your teeth over time. You’ll also want to wear a mouth guard when playing sports, and at night if you suffer from bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth at night).
To ensure your teeth stay strong, brush twice a day, floss, and rinse. Also, visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. If you don’t already have a cleaning and checkup scheduled, reach out today to get an appointment in the books.
Contact Us
If you have a cracked tooth (or you suspect you do), contact us today to schedule an appointment. A top dentist will take a look at your tooth and determine what the best treatment option is.
Make sure you schedule an appointment for as soon as possible, as the crack can become worse over time.