There are a number of treatments that can repair a cracked tooth.
Teeth can crack for many reasons. Often, cracks are caused by biting on particularly hard foods or objects, while habits such as clenching and grinding can also cause cracks to develop over time. Other common causes of cracked teeth include hard knocks to the mouth, such as in an accident or a sports injury; sudden temperature changes; and as a result of the natural ageing process. If you have noticed a crack in your tooth, or your dentist has identified one, there are several treatment options available to you. Read on to find out more about the types of cracks that can occur, and how they can be repaired.
What types of cracked teeth are there?
There are several types of cracks that can occur in the teeth. Cracked tooth syndrome or craze lines refer to tiny cracks in the enamel of the teeth that don’t typically cause any symptoms, while a fractured cusp is a crack that usually occurs around a filling. Cracks that reach the gum line tend to be quite serious and usually require treatment, while a split tooth may need to be at least partially extracted. A vertical root fracture refers to a crack that begins below the gum line and extends upwards.
How do you know if you have a cracked tooth?
In some cases, you may not be aware that you have a cracked tooth, and you may not experience any symptoms at all. Tiny cracks in the enamel often cannot even be seen in a standard x-ray and are very difficult to diagnose. These tiny cracks usually occur in the lower back teeth and, if left untreated, can cause sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and drinks, and swollen gums near the damaged tooth.
What are the treatment options?
Fortunately, there are many ways in which a cracked tooth can be repaired. The specific treatment that is recommended for you will depend on any symptoms that you experience, as well as the size, severity and location of the crack.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend bonding, which is a procedure that involves the use of resin to fill the crack and restore the function of the affected tooth. Crowns are also a popular treatment as they are designed to fit over the entire tooth and can help to strengthen the weakened structure.
If your dentist identifies a crack that extends into the tooth pulp, they may recommend that you undergo root canal treatment. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will remove any damaged pulp and clean and seal the affected area. A crown may then be placed to provide strength and stability.
Although cracked teeth can often be repaired, there are some cases in which damaged teeth may need to be extracted. If the nerves and roots of your tooth have been affected by the crack in your tooth, an extraction is likely to be the best course of treatment. Your dentist will let you know which treatment suits you best and address any concerns and questions that you have.
How can we help?
At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer a range of treatments to resolve split, cracked or fractured teeth. The treatment that we recommend will depend on the location and severity of the crack. If you would like to find out more about how we can help repair a cracked tooth, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799.
Besides treatments for cracked teeth, the team at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental offers a comprehensive range of dental services. These include general, cosmetic, restorative, sedation and emergency dentistry procedures. To see the full list of treatments that we offer, please have a look here.