A cracked tooth is usually not only cosmetic. In fact, without getting proper cracked teeth treatment and correction of the problem, it can worsen. This causes serious pain, infection, or permanent loss of the tooth. Getting help quickly after cracking a tooth can protect the tooth and fix the cosmetic issue in cases of visible cracks. For treatment for cracked teeth, please contact Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849.
What Are Causes of Cracked Teeth?
Though most people think only traumatic injuries to the mouth cause cracked teeth, direct impacts are not the only reason behind cracking. Some common causes of cracked teeth include the following:
- Biting down on hard foods or ice
- Using the teeth to open bottles or rip open packaging
- Grinding teeth
- Sudden temperature changes in the mouth
- Direct injuries to the teeth
Cracked teeth don’t always cause symptoms, either, but when they do, patients may feel sensitivity to heat and cold or pain when biting down. However, because so many causes of cracked teeth are subtle and don’t always cause discomfort, many people don’t recognize that they have a crack until examining their mouths while flossing or brushing. As soon as a patient notices a crack, though, they should call for dental treatment.
Are There Different Forms of Cracked Teeth?
Cracked teeth are not all the same. Just as there are many causes of cracked teeth, there are also many types. How a dentist treats the teeth depends on the location and the type of crack the patient has. Common types of cracks treated by dentists include:
- Craze lines produce only cosmetic problems, but a dentist may place veneers or dental bonding over the tooth to improve its appearance.
- A fractured cusp affects the top of the tooth and may cause discomfort when biting down. The dentist may use a dental crown to cover the damaged tooth.
- Cracked teeth have minor cracks that can worsen if not treated quickly. If a crack extends below the gumline, the patient may lose the tooth.
- Vertically cracked teeth have cracks that a patient may not see, but a dentist notices on x-rays. These types of cracks may require endodontic treatment.
- Split teeth happen when a simple tooth crack worsens to extend down through the tooth. A dentist might be able to save a portion of the tooth.
No matter what type of cracked teeth you’re dealing with, Wambaugh Dental can help.
How Does Our Dentist Provide Cracked Teeth Care?
Cracked teeth care from a dentist depends on the type of crack and its length. As noted in the types of cracks, vertically cracked teeth and split teeth may require endodontic treatment, such as endodontic surgery or root canal therapy to preserve at least part of the tooth. Cracks that expose the root also usually need root canal therapy. Cracked front teeth need careful cosmetic dentistry corrections to help the patient retain their smile.
One of the most important aspects of cracked teeth care is the use of dental imaging technology to see under the gumline and inside the tooth. With imaging, the dentist can evaluate the damage done to the tooth. They can then determine which treatments they should take to try to save the tooth or to prevent more extensive harm. Imaging is especially important for discomfort or tooth pain from a cracked tooth that happens only intermittently. This technology allows the dentist to find the cause of the pain. X-rays and other methods can even spot cracks that affect the root of a tooth, as happens with a vertically cracked tooth.
Following assessment, the patient’s treatment plan may include anything from dental bonding to endodontic surgery. The dentist will choose the best option to preserve the health, function, and appearance of the affected tooth or teeth. For instance, cracked front teeth may require porcelain veneers after endodontic treatment to preserve their appearance.
Receive Treatment from Wambaugh Dental
Those in The Woodlands, TX, who need cracked teeth care should contact us at Wambaugh Dental at 281.501.7849 or through our practice’s website. Cracked teeth don’t have to lead to losses of the teeth. Good dental care at Wambaugh Dental can save teeth and preserve the appearance of a smile.
