The exterior layer of your teeth, known as enamel, is the hardest tissue in your body. It shields your teeth from harm and prevents infection and other oral health concerns. But, despite its durability, enamel can’t fully protect your teeth from dental mishaps. You could be enjoying your preferred hard candy or experiencing an unexpected impact during a sports game, and suddenly, your tooth can crack.
Experiencing a cracked tooth can be unnerving, often leading to discomfort and anxiety. However, it’s important to remember that it isn’t uncommon and can be effectively managed with modern dental practices. Early detection is vital, so if you’ve noticed any damage to your tooth, rest assured several practical solutions are available. Here are six repair options to consider if you’ve cracked a tooth:
Dental Crowns
It plays a significant role in the treatment of cracked teeth. They function like custom-made caps, designed to fit perfectly over your existing tooth. This not only restores the natural appearance of your tooth but also strengthens it. When a tooth cracks, its strength, and structure can be compromised. A dental crown provides the necessary reinforcement, thereby preventing further damage.
Made from robust materials like porcelain or metal, crowns are durable and long-lasting. They match your natural teeth’ color, making them an aesthetically pleasing option. If you need one, searching for a dental crown near me will give results for professionals in your area who can perform this procedure.
Moreover, a crown can protect the remaining tooth structure when it suffers severe damage from a crack or fracture. It helps maintain the tooth’s functionality, enabling you to continue eating and speaking normally. Overall, dental crowns offer an effective and reliable solution for managing and repairing cracked teeth.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers may be the answer if you’re concerned about a cracked front tooth and wondering if it can be restored. These are thin coverings crafted from ceramic or porcelain, designed to fit over the front of your teeth. They primarily enhance the appearance of teeth that might be stained, chipped, misshapen, or slightly out of alignment. They can also help conceal a fractured tooth.
Dental veneers have an edge over crowns in that they require less removal of the tooth structure. With good maintenance, they can serve you for 10 to 15 years. However, remember that this treatment is most appropriate for minor fractures. It’s a cosmetic solution that won’t strengthen your tooth or mend any critical damage.
Dental Bonding
This cosmetic dentistry procedure utilizes a tooth-colored composite resin to address issues such as decay, chips, fractures, or discoloration in a tooth. Unlike veneers manufactured in a laboratory which require a customized mold to achieve a proper fit, bonding can be done in a single visit.
Your dentist will first select a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your tooth. Then, the dentist will roughen the surface and apply a conditioning liquid, which helps the bonding material stick to the tooth. Following that, the tooth-colored resin, which possesses a putty-like consistency, is carefully applied, shaped, and smoothed to achieve the desired form. Subsequently, an ultraviolet light or laser is employed to facilitate the hardening process.
Once the bonding material has hardened, it will be further trimmed and shaped. Then, the dentist will polish the material until it matches the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface. One of the advantages of this is that the process is generally faster than other options. However, the time required can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the dentist’s technique.
Moreover, dental bonding is more than just an efficient and effective solution. It’s also a conservative one. This procedure preserves most of the original tooth structure. Therefore, minimal alteration is needed. It makes dental bonding an attractive option for those who prefer to keep as much of the natural tooth as possible.
However, although dental bonding is a fantastic option for repairing cracked teeth, it isn’t for everyone. It’s excellent for small cosmetic changes, temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and teeth correction in shallow bite pressure areas. Ensure to consult your dentist to determine whether dental bonding is the optimal solution for your cracked tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
This therapy is necessary to address an infection in the tooth’s pulp, which houses the nerve. This situation can cause discomfort, and visiting the dentist is a necessity. Usually, a cracked tooth may be caused by several factors, such as deep cavities, an injury to the tooth, or multiple dental procedures over time.
The root canal process starts with the dentist opening the tooth’s crown. Then the infected pulp is removed, and the pulp chamber is disinfected using special small instruments known as endodontic files. Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal treatments are painless and comfortable, similar to a regular filling procedure. This procedure is critical as it helps reduce the pain you may have been experiencing due to the infection. Moreover, it preserves the natural tooth, thus maintaining your smile’s aesthetic appeal.
Another significant advantage of the root canal procedure is that it prevents the spread of infection to other teeth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to more severe dental problems, making a simple procedure more complicated. So that is why the infected pulp is removed and the area cleaned. The space is filled with a rubber-like gutta-percha material, followed by a filling or crown placement. The tooth is then sealed to prevent any future infection, and a crown is usually placed over the tooth for protection, rendering the tooth as good as new.
It’s vital to note that the tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fracture after a root canal. Hence, post-treatment, a dental crown is often recommended to offer added strength and safeguard the tooth against potential breakage. Also, consult your dentist promptly if you experience pain or discomfort, as timely intervention can prevent the need for more extensive procedures.
Dental Implants
These are popular and effective long-term solutions for people who suffer from missing, broken, or cracked teeth. They serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a solid foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth designed to blend in with natural teeth.
The process of getting dental implants involves several procedures. First, the damaged tooth is removed, and then your jawbone is prepared for surgery. This process may involve bone grafting if your jawbone isn’t thick or soft. Once your jawbone heals, a dental surgeon will implant the metal post. The healing and osseointegration process, during which the bone grows around the implant, can take several months. After this process, a small connector post, known as an abutment, is attached to the implant before the final crown is created and connected.
Then, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth to create a model of your bite. Using this model, your new tooth, called a crown, is made to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
One of the advantages of dental implants is that they look, feel, and function like natural teeth, offering a more comfortable and convenient solution than dentures. They are designed to blend with your bone, becoming permanent. Moreover, they are also very durable and will last many years, possibly even a lifetime, with good care.
Nevertheless, dental implants are not appropriate for everyone, as certain prerequisites must be met. Specifically, you must possess healthy gums and sufficient bone structure to adequately support the implant. Also, they require a commitment to thorough oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, like gum disease, causing loss of bone around the implant. Head over to The Point Dental to find out more about dental implants.
Tooth Extraction
It is sometimes the best or only option for a severely cracked tooth, primarily if the crack extends below the gum line or is extensively damaged. While it might seem drastic, this procedure is relatively commonplace and can provide immediate relief from pain. It’s a dental procedure in which the dentist extracts the tooth by removing it from its socket within the bone. If you have damaged or broken due to decay, your dentist will be trying to repair it with a filling, crown, or other treatment. However, when the damage is too much to repair, extraction might be needed.
Before the extraction, the dentist will numb the area to lessen discomfort. Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot typically forms in the socket. The dentist will place a gauze pad into the socket and instruct you to bite down on it, aiding in the cessation of bleeding. On occasion, the dentist may opt to use a few stitches to bring together and secure the gum edges, effectively closing the area where the tooth was extracted. But after the process, it’s essential to follow all the dentist’s instructions for care. These include taking prescribed medications, using ice to decrease swelling, and avoiding certain foods and activities.
Tooth extraction can undoubtedly solve the immediate problem of a cracked tooth. However, it leaves a gap that might cause other teeth to shift. Therefore, it’s recommended to discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist. Remember getting the procedure done sooner rather than later is always better to prevent further damage or complications.
Conclusion
Experiencing a cracked tooth can be distressing, but rest assured, dental professionals have many options to restore your tooth to its former glory. It’s essential to consult your dentist as soon as possible to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. Remember, the sooner you seek help, the better your chances of saving your tooth and maintaining your smile.
Moreover, aftercare is equally vital. Regardless of the repair method chosen, good oral hygiene is critical. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups will ensure your repaired tooth and the rest of your teeth stay in excellent condition.