How Serious Is Cracked Tooth?
If you have a tooth that has recently been cracked or the crack is getting worse with time, you may be wondering how serious this condition is.
Below is helpful information about cracked teeth, including the causes, how serious a cracked tooth is, treatment, and prevention.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
There are a few different things that can lead to a cracked tooth. These include:
- Trauma/Damage
- Chewing on hard objects
- Eating hard foods
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Age
How Serious Is Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be anywhere from a minor, cosmetic issue to a serious oral health concern. Here are some of the treatments for cracked teeth of different severities:
- Dental bonding: For smaller, minor cracks, dental bonding may be the right option for you. This procedure involves the use of a tooth-colored resin to cover the crack in the tooth and provide a cosmetic restoration.
- Dental veneer: Once a crack becomes a little worse, a dental veneer may become the right repair option. With a dental veneer, the natural tooth is reshaped to allow for the placement of a prosthetic.
- Dental crown: A dental crown is a repair option for teeth that have been more severely cracked. This involves replacing the majority or the entirety of the crown.
- Tooth extraction: Tooth extraction is generally for extremely severe cracks that are irreparable. Your dentist will avoid an extraction if possible.
What Do I Look For?
There are a few signs that you should look for to tell if you have a cracked tooth. These include:
- A visible fracture
- Sensitivity
- Pain while eating
- Swelling
- Persistent pain in the tooth
Can I Prevent a Cracked Tooth?
Preventing a cracked tooth can actually be pretty easy. Unless the crack is due to an accident, there are many things you can do starting today to avoid a cracked tooth entirely.
First and foremost, you’ll want to schedule your next appointment for a cleaning and checkup with your dentist (if you don’t already have one in the books). They will professionally clean your teeth and gums and check for any decay or damage.
Another extremely important thing you should be doing right now is taking proper care of your oral health. This includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing every day, twice a day.
Finally, purchase a mouthguard if you play sports or a night guard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding).
These steps will help to protect your teeth from the development of cracks.
Contact Us
If you have a visibly cracked tooth or you suspect your tooth is cracked, contact us today. We’ll schedule an appointment for a top dentist to examine your tooth and determine the seriousness of the crack. From there, a treatment plan will be put in place to repair the damaged tooth.
Remember, the sooner you reach out and schedule an appointment, the lower the chances of the crack becoming severe and other oral health problems developing.