A crack in the tooth may happen due to several reasons. But whether big or small, no matter the cause of the cracked tooth, it is important that it is repaired as soon as possible. This is to prevent further damage and possible infection.
Today, we’ll learn more about cracks on teeth and the options we can offer at LiveHealthy Dental to restore your tooth.
What causes teeth to crack?
Cracks on teeth may be a small chip on the tooth enamel or a large tooth fracture. Other patients may also experience a large crack that runs from the tooth surface down the tooth root. Some usual causes of a cracked tooth are:
- Injury to the tooth
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Nail biting
- Chewing on hard food such as ice
- Accidentally biting down on hard items
- Large cavity
Aside from these, cracked tooth enamel may also be a general sign of aging. As the tooth ages and wears down, it will be weaker. This makes it more prone to breaking, even with just simple chewing or biting.
Is a cracked tooth bad?
A small cracked tooth enamel does not need emergency restoration. However, it is recommended that you see your dentist as soon as you are available. This will keep the repair easy and simple. Also, this saves you from worrying about more extensive and expensive procedures.
However, a large crack in the tooth requires an emergency dental visit. This may be painful, so going about your day won’t be easy. Aside from that, your dentist will need to check if the inside of the tooth or the pulp is affected. If so, you will be scheduled for emergency root canal treatment to save your tooth.
What happens to a cracked tooth? – Repair Options
Our team at LiveHealthy Dental will always do their best to preserve your natural tooth. So, we make available several options for cracked teeth, such as dental bonding, veneers, crowns, and root canal therapy.
Dental Bonding and Veneers
Bonding: This procedure is done on small to moderately-sized cracks in the front tooth. It utilizes molded composite fillings to match the natural shape and color of your other teeth.
Veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain material bonded on the front teeth to achieve a more beautiful smile.
White Fillings
For cracks on the back tooth, white fillings are a great solution. They can work for larger cavities to support chewing and biting. Fillings also blend nicely with the color of your tooth for a seamless-looking restoration.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is recommended for severe tooth cracks involving the tooth nerve. This process cleans the inside of your tooth to remove the tooth pulp and other debris inside the canal. Once done, the tooth will be capped with a crown to revitalize its structure and function.
Crown
Depending on the location and depth of the crack, a crown maybe recommended. The purpose of the crown is to surround the tooth and hold the tooth together to prevent further cracking of the tooth. Often times, crowns are recommended to save the tooth and prevent an extraction, or pulling the tooth.
Healthy Smiles with LiveHealthy Dental
Discover high-quality solutions for cracks in the tooth with LiveHealthy Dental. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and our team will gladly help you understand the best solution to improve your smile!