Dealing with a cracked tooth can be quite distressing and painful. Cracks can come in various sizes and severity levels, often resulting from accidents, injuries, or natural wear and tear. Understanding the options for cracked tooth repair is crucial to preserving your oral health and smile.
Within this article, we’ll dive into the various treatments at your disposal, emphasising the significance of seeking prompt dental care. We’ll also discuss proactive measures to prevent any additional harm.
Dental bonding is a common treatment for small, superficial cracks. In this procedure, your dentist uses a tooth-coloured resin to fill in the crack and restore the tooth’s appearance. A special ultraviolet light is used to harden the bonding material.
2. Dental Filling
A dental filling may be recommended for slightly larger cracks or those affecting the tooth’s chewing surface. The dentist removes any damaged tooth structure and fills the cavity with filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam.
3. Dental Crown
When a significant portion of the tooth is affected, or the crack is deep, a dental crown (cap) may be necessary. The dentist reshapes the tooth, removes damaged parts, and places a custom crown over it. Using crowns, you can strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage.
4. Root Canal Therapy
When a crack goes deep into the tooth, specifically into the pulp’s innermost part, it can hurt and lead to an infection. In those situations, a root canal might be needed. Your dentist will extract the infected or damaged pulp, clean the area, and seal it up. Usually, they’ll put a crown on the tooth to make it strong again.
5. Dental Veneer
Consider dental veneers if you have cracks that mainly affect your front teeth and are mostly about how they look. Veneers are these super-thin coverings on the front of your affected teeth, giving them a stylish makeover to return their dazzling appearance.
6. Dental Implant
In cases where your original tooth is beyond repair and needs extraction, a dental implant can be considered. Undergoing dental implants involves replacing the extracted tooth with an artificial tooth anchored in the jawbone. Get more information.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where locating an emergency dentist in Albany, WA, is challenging, consider rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water. This simple step can help prevent infections while you await proper dental care.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
Preventing cracked teeth involves taking steps to protect your oral health, including:
Wearing a mouthguard. We recommend using mouthguards because they are a simple but effective way to shield your teeth from potential harm, especially if you play sports or grind your teeth during sleep.
Avoiding hard foods. Be mindful when munching on hard or crunchy foods, as they can risk your teeth.
Practising good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to maintain strong tooth enamel and prevent decay that can weaken teeth.
Visiting your dentist regularly. Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist is a wise move. It allows them to spot and tackle potential problems before they escalate into major concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
Even though not every cracked tooth demands an urgent response, promptly contacting a dentist is crucial. They can evaluate the extent of the crack and decide on the right treatment, ensuring your teeth stay in tip-top shape.
What happens if I ignore a cracked tooth?
Neglecting a cracked tooth isn’t a great idea; it could mean more damage, potential infections, and even tooth loss. Plus, it’s no fun dealing with lingering pain and discomfort.
What is a chipped tooth?
It means that a tiny part of the enamel (i.e., the outer layer of the tooth) has broken off, which usually needs some cosmetic fixing.
But when we talk about a broken tooth, it’s more serious. It’s like a big piece of the tooth has cracked or completely come off.
Repairing Your Cracked and Broken Tooth
Handling a cracked tooth can be quite taxing, both physically and emotionally.
That’s why we recommend you promptly seek a professional dentist’s expertise. By doing so, we can carefully evaluate your condition, considering both the severity and type of the crack. We humbly advise against delay – overlooking a cracked tooth may potentially result in more complex issues in the future.
So, if you doubt you have a cracked tooth, seek dental emergency care immediately. The sooner you detect the issue, the better the chances of protecting your natural tooth and maintaining your smile. Are you in a dental emergency? Visit our Dentist Albany clinic or give us a ring at (08) 9930 2083, and we’ll be right here to help.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
