A cracked tooth can be a real pain. If you have ever experienced a cracked tooth, you know how much it can impact your daily life. Even something as simple as drinking a cold beverage can send a sharp pain through your teeth and make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. However, can cracked teeth heal?
Wambaugh Dental is committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. We understand that many people are concerned about the health of their teeth. We want to reassure our patients that with the proper treatment, we can repair their cracked teeth, and they can get back to enjoying their life without pain.
What Are Cracked Teeth?
A cracked tooth is a break or fracture in the tooth that can range from being barely noticeable to causing severe pain.
There are three main parts of a tooth: the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp. The enamel is the hard, outermost layer of the tooth that protects it from damage. The dentin is the second layer of the tooth and is much softer than the enamel. The pulp is the tooth’s innermost layer and contains the nerves and blood vessels.
When a tooth cracks, it is usually the enamel that is affected. However, the crack can extend into the dentin and even the pulp if it is severe enough.
What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Cracks in teeth are caused by several things, including:
- Chewing on hard objects–This is one of the most common causes of cracked teeth. You put stress on your teeth when you chew on hard objects, such as ice, hard candy, or even your fingernails. Over time, this stress can cause the tooth to crack.
- Trauma–A blow to the mouth can cause the teeth to crack. This type of trauma can occur if you are involved in a car accident or if you fall and hit your mouth.
- Grinding–Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a condition that can put a lot of stress on your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you may not be aware that you are doing it. However, the grinding can wear down the enamel over time and cause the teeth to crack.
- Age–As we age, our teeth can become more brittle and more likely to crack.
Weak teeth–If your teeth are weak or brittle, they are more likely to crack. Weak teeth can be due to various factors, such as genetics, certain medical conditions, or poor dental hygiene.
If you have a cracked tooth, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the crack is left untreated, it can lead to further damage, such as a broken tooth.
Can Cracked Teeth Heal Themselves?
One of the most common questions at Wambaugh Dental is whether or not cracked teeth can heal themselves.
While our bodies can heal many things independently, teeth are not one of them. Once a tooth is cracked, it cannot heal itself. However, with proper dental care, the crack can be repaired, and the tooth can be saved.
If the crack is minor and does not extend into the dentin or pulp, it can often be repaired with a simple bonding procedure. Bonding is a process in which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth and then hardened with a light. The resin bonds to the tooth and effectively fills in the crack.
If the crack is more severe, it may require more extensive treatment, such as a crown or veneer. These cosmetic procedures can improve the tooth’s appearance and protect it from further damage.
Sometimes, a root canal may be necessary if the crack affects the tooth’s pulp. A root canal is a procedure in which the damaged pulp is removed, and the tooth is sealed.
No matter how minor or severe the crack, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner the crack is treated, the less likely it is to cause further damage.
Wambaugh Dental is Here to Help With Cracked Teeth
While a cracked tooth may seem like a big problem, it is relatively common and can usually be treated by our dentists.
At Wambaugh Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. If you have a cracked tooth, we can help. We offer various treatment options that can repair the crack and restore your confidence and smile.
Contact us today at 281.501.7849.
