Cracked Teeth & Extractions

Cracks in teeth come in different sizes and with different levels of severity. A minor crack, for instance, may need minimal repair. A severely cracked tooth, on the other hand, can lead to the replacement of the crown of the tooth or even an extraction.

Below is more about cracked teeth, repairs, extraction, and more.

What Causes a Cracked Tooth?

There are quite a few ways that you can crack your tooth. Some of these include:

  • Trauma
  • Biting hard foods
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
  • Chewing on hard objects
  • Age

Cracked Teeth & Extractions

If you have a cracked tooth, you may be fearing the worst. What if the tooth needs to be extracted? This may lead you to put off having it checked out, which ironically is a huge mistake if you want to keep the tooth.

If the damage to a tooth is severe enough—or it has progressed to a certain point—an extraction may become the only option. That’s why it’s extremely important to visit your dentist as soon as you notice a crack or the symptoms of a cracked tooth.

Some treatment options that may be available for your cracked tooth include:

  • Bonding: Dental bonding is a primarily cosmetic repair that is great for a tooth with a minor chip or crack. The process involves the sculpting and hardening of a tooth-colored resin to restore the appearance of a full, natural tooth.
  • Veneers: A Dental veneer restores a greater portion of the tooth, while still not replacing the entire crown. Veneers are a little more durable and are a good option for moderate repairs.
  • Dental crowns: A dental crown, as the name implies, replaces either a great portion or the entirety of a tooth crown. This still allows the patient to maintain the root of their tooth while providing excellent security and durability.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

There are some symptoms you can look for to determine if your tooth is cracked (outside of an obvious, visible crack). These include:

  • Swelling
  • Sensitivity
  • Ongoing pain in the tooth
  • Pain when biting and chewing

Preventing a Cracked Tooth

The best way to avoid an extraction is the prevent a cracked tooth in the first place. While sometimes a crack can’t be avoided (like in the case of an accident), often it can be.

To avoid a cracked tooth:

  • Brush twice a day, floss, and rinse
  • Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects
  • Quit the use of tobacco products
  • Wear a night guard if you suffer from bruxism and a mouth guard for sports

Reach Out Today

If your tooth is cracked and needs to be restored, reach out today. A top dentist will examine your tooth and determine the best course of action to treat the tooth. Remember, if the issue is addressed early enough, less drastic options may be available. The last thing your dentist wants to do is extract your tooth.

Contact us today and set your appointment.

Cracked Tooth Treatments