Cracked Teeth & Extractions
If you have a cracked tooth, you may be wondering if it can be saved or if it needs to be pulled.
Below is helpful information about cracked teeth, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options that may be available.
What Are the Causes of Cracked Teeth?
There are a few different causes of cracked teeth. Some of the most common causes of tooth cracks include:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Chewing on hard objects
- Biting hard foods
- Trauma
- Age
Treatment Options
Treatment options often depend on the severity of the crack. Below are some of the most common treatment options, along with the level of severity they generally address:
- Bonding: Dental bonding is for mild cracks. This treatment option involves the use of a resin that is hardened to restore the tooth. While dental bonding is a great cosmetic option, it’s not intended for the repair of more serious cracks.
- Veneers: Dental veneers are for more moderate cracks. The placement of a veneer involves the reshaping of a tooth and offers a sturdier solution than bonding.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns are for more severe cracks. These prosthetics replace the entire natural crown of a patient’s tooth.
Cracked Teeth & Extractions
Cracked teeth generally don’t require extraction. With that said, if the crack is allowed to progress to the point where the tooth is no longer viable, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Dentists prefer not to extract teeth, so your dentist will do what they can to avoid an extraction. To improve the chances of your dentist being able to save your tooth, make sure you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice a crack or the symptoms of a cracked tooth. This can mean the difference between something as simple as the placement of a dental veneer and something as severe as having your tooth pulled.
The Signs to Look For
Some of the signs you can look for to determine whether or not you have a cracked tooth include:
- Visible damage to a tooth
- Ongoing pain in the tooth
- Sensitivity
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Swelling
These are all symptoms that something is wrong, even if the problem doesn’t turn out to be a cracked tooth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice the symptoms above so they can perform an examination and treat the underlying issue.
Prevention
In order to prevent a crack from occurring, make sure you take proper care of your oral health. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Also, stop chewing on hard objects, quit the use of tobacco products, and use a night guard if you suffer from bruxism.
Contact Us
If you have a cracked tooth, contact us today. The sooner you have the issue addressed, the higher the likelihood will be that your tooth can be saved.