Cracked Tooth Treatments

Have you recently been looking in the mirror and noticed there is a crack in your tooth? If so, you’ll want to see a dentist to determine the extent of the damage and what cracked tooth treatment may be available.

Below is more about cracked teeth, including the causes, cracked tooth treatments, and more.

What Leads to a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth can be caused by a variety of different things, including:

  • Injury/trauma
  • Teeth grinding and clenching
  • Chewing on hard objects
  • Eating hard foods
  • Age

Cracked Tooth Treatments

If you have a cracked tooth, there are actually a few different treatment options your dentist may choose from (depending on the severity of the damage). These include:

  • Dental bonding: Dental bonding is generally for small, cosmetic cracks. The bonding resin helps to restore the appearance of a cracked tooth to its former glory, but it doesn’t provide as much support as other treatment options.
  • Dental veneer: A dental veneer is a more comprehensive option and provides additional support. The placement of a veneer involves the reshaping of a tooth to place a durable prosthetic that mimics a natural tooth.
  • Dental crown: Dental crowns are the strongest and most durable replacement option, but they are also the most comprehensive. Dental crowns are intended for patients who have more severely damaged crowns.

If a tooth is extremely damaged and is a health risk, your dentist may opt for an extraction. This is a last resort, though, and is not taken lightly.

Symptoms to Look For

There are quite a few symptoms you can look for to determine if you have a cracked tooth. These include:

  • A visible crack
  • Swelling
  • Ongoing pain in the tooth
  • Sensitivity
  • Pain while eating

If you notice these symptoms (even without a visible crack), it’s important to set an appointment with your dentist to determine the root cause of the issue. Even if you don’t have a cracked tooth, these symptoms may be indicative of an oral health issue that can become very serious over time.

Can I Prevent a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth can often be prevented with proper oral care.

In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, make sure you brush, floss, and rinse twice a day, every day. Also, see your dentist every six months for a regularly scheduled checkup and cleaning. This will allow them to catch any cracks, decay, or other concerns early.

If you suffer from bruxism, invest in a night guard (even if it’s over the counter). For a better fit, speak with your dentist about a custom night guard. For sports, purchase a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe.

Reach Out Today

If you discover you have a crack in your tooth, reach out today. We’ll set a time and date for an outstanding dentist to perform an examination and determine the best tooth treatment option to meet your needs.

Don’t wait for the condition to get worse; contact us today.

How Serious Is Cracked Tooth