Here at Audubon Dental, we understand that your teeth may sustain damage as a result of injury or other facts. Our experienced dentist offers treatments for cracked teeth to help you regain your oral health and once again enjoy a beautiful, fully functional smile.
Types of Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth come in various forms, each demanding specific attention for restoration. Despite their differences, they often share common symptoms, such as pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature and discomfort when biting down. Identifying the exact nature of the crack can sometimes be tricky due to intermittent pain.
Common types of cracked teeth include:
- Craze Lines: These are superficial, tiny cracks that appear on the outer enamel of the tooth. Typically, they do not need treatment unless you are seeking aesthetic enhancement.
- Fractured Cusps: When the raised points on your tooth’s surface, called cusps, become weak and break off, it’s termed a fractured cusp.
- Cracked Tooth: Extending from the chewing surface toward the root, this type of crack can sometimes extend beneath the gumline and into the root. Damage to the pulp is common, making root canals essential to save the tooth.
- Split Tooth: If left untreated, a cracked tooth can eventually split into distinct segments, resulting in a split tooth. The possibility of saving the tooth depends on factors like its location and the extent of damage.
- Vertical Root Fracture: These fractures start from the root and extend towards the chewing surface. Unfortunately, there aren’t clear symptoms for this type of crack, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. If the tooth can be saved, it may require endodontic surgery; otherwise, extraction might be necessary.
Treatment Options
The treatment plan for your cracked tooth hinges on the specific type of crack and its severity. Our dedicated dental team is here to guide you through the options.
- Dental Bonding: For minor cracks like craze lines, dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the crack, reinforcing the tooth’s structure and enhancing its appearance.
- Dental Crowns: Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the tooth, providing protection and strength. They’re often used for more extensive cracking, such as fractured cusps and cracked teeth to prevent further damage.
- Root Canal Therapy: When the pulp inside the tooth is affected, a root canal may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the area, and sealing it. Root canals save cracked teeth from extraction.
- Extraction: In cases where the tooth is beyond repair, extraction becomes the last resort. However, our priority is always to explore alternatives before considering extraction.
- Endodontic Surgery: For certain vertical root fractures, surgical intervention may be possible to save the tooth. This involves removing the fractured portion and potentially placing a crown to reinforce the tooth.
Schedule Your Consultation
Your comfort and oral health are paramount. We encourage you to reach out to us at 509-325-4227 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Safina LeClair to discuss your symptoms and concerns and have your teeth evaluated. After an examination our dentist and team will work with you to determine the right type of treatment to restore your smile.