Cracked Tooth Treatments
Do you have a crack in your tooth? If so, you are probably wondering what your treatment options are, and even what led to the crack in the first place.
Below is information about cracked teeth, including the causes, treatment options, and what you can do to prevent a cracked tooth in the first place.
The Causes of a Cracked Tooth
There are a variety of different potential causes of a cracked tooth. These include:
- Trauma and injury
- Chewing on hard items
- Eating hard foods
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Age
Cracked Tooth Treatments
There are a few treatment options available for a cracked tooth. These include:
- Dental bonding: For a minor crack, dental bonding is often enough. This involves the use of a tooth-colored resin that is shaped and hardened to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
- Dental veneer: Dental veneers are intended to replace a more significant portion of a tooth, and often involve reshaping of the healthy portion of the tooth to place. This is a step between bonding and a dental crown.
- Dental crown: A dental crown, as the name implies, involves the replacement of the natural crown of a patient’s tooth with a prosthetic one. This involves the replacement of a significant portion of the tooth and is for more severe cracks.
If you notice your tooth is cracked, make sure you visit a dentist as soon as possible to address the issue. The longer you go without treatment, the higher the likelihood of the crack getting worse. If the crack isn’t treated quickly enough, it may damage the tooth to the point where the only viable option is extraction.
If you notice a crack in your tooth, reach out and schedule an appointment today.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
There are a variety of different signs to look for to determine if you have a cracked tooth. Some of these include:
- A visible crack
- Consistent pain in the tooth
- Swelling
- Sensitivity
- Pain when eating
Keep in mind that, just because you can’t see the crack, doesn’t mean you don’t have a cracked tooth. Sometimes cracks can be difficult to spot. Because of this, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Preventing a Cracked Tooth
In order to lower the chances of cracking a tooth, there are a few simple things you can do. These include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing
- Rinsing with mouthwash
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups
- Stopping the use of tobacco products
- Not chewing on hard objects like ice and pen caps
Contact Us
If you have a visibly cracked tooth or you suspect your tooth is cracked, contact us today. We’ll schedule an appointment for a top dentist to take a look at your teeth to determine whether or not your tooth is cracked, the extent of the damage, and what repair option is best for you.