The very first dentist recognized in history lived in 2600 B.C. His name was Hesy-Re.
Dental techniques and procedures have evolved since then, thankfully. Since then, cracked tooth risks have greatly lowered!
Some people are frightened of going to the dentist. However, when you’re dealing with broken teeth, it’s essential to get the proper treatment.
Knowing what to expect may bring you peace of mind when you finally make your appointment. Keep reading to learn more about what your dentist can do for your cracked tooth.
1. Crown
A dental crown is essentially a cap that goes over the top of your broken or cracked tooth. That tooth is reshaped to fit the crown over the top.
The crown keeps your tooth’s natural shape and appearance. These are permanent caps that come in materials like…
- Metal
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- All-Resin
This may or may not require a root canal before attaching the crown. See the root canal section for more information.
2. Dental Bonding/Filling
One of the least invasive dental procedures for cracked teeth is dental bonding. Over the years, there have been many different types of materials used for filling cavities.
Dental bonding is a lot like a dental filling that uses a composite resin. A special light hardens the composite material to fix a broken tooth.
It is a quick, inexpensive procedure. Dental bonding is over in one visit.
3. Root Canal
To fix a cracked tooth that has developed infectious pulp, you need a root canal. A root canal removes the infected areas and the tooth’s nerve.
You’ll notice when a broken or cracked tooth has become infected by the sensitivity and pain it causes you. Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but some of them are…
- Sensitivity to hot/cold
- Sensitivity to pressure
- General toothache pain
- Developing an abscess
- Swollen gums
Once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist places a crown on top of the remaining tooth. If the crack has gone beneath the gum line, stronger measures have to be taken.
4. Veneers
If you’ve chipped one of your front teeth, porcelain veneers are a good option. This is a thin cover that the dentist bonds to your tooth.
Often, veneers are a cosmetic procedure to improve the look of discolored or chipped teeth. They also happen to protect and strengthen teeth.
Veneers can change the size, shape, and color of teeth. They also can hide gum recession and fill gaps. Many celebrities have veneers!
5. Extraction & Implant
It’s mentioned above that a tooth that has cracked below the gum line needs stronger measures. Extraction is the stronger measure.
The cracked tooth must be pulled out as it’s no longer treatable. Instead of leaving a hole in your mouth, a dental implant replaces the tooth.
The implant is surgically attached to the jaw bone. It’s more invasive than the other options but is necessary for this situation.
Seek Treatment Immediately for a Cracked Tooth
Hopefully, you’ve come to realize that the sooner you deal with a cracked tooth, the better. Many of these dental procedures are quick and non-invasive.
You run the risk of infection and loss of the tooth the longer you allow it to go unchecked. If you are in the San Bernardino area and need dentistry help, schedule an appointment with Dr. Wang today!