A cracked tooth can happen to anyone and, in some cases, is a dental emergency. Depending on the extent of the crack, it can cause minimal or extreme pain. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to an oral infection which can spread to other areas of your mouth.
It is essential to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to have your cracked tooth evaluated.
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth? What You Need to Know
There are several ways you can experience a cracked tooth. Some common ways to crack your tooth include chewing on hard objects like sweets, experiencing uneven chewing pressure, grinding or clenching your teeth, being involved in an accident, and brittle and weak teeth due to decay, large fillings or multiple restorations.
Your dentist may be able to repair your cracked tooth, but it depends on the location and size of the crack. Treatment can vary from cosmetic bonding of a minor chip to a dental crown and root canal treatment or extraction for a severe crack.
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth? Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is a non-invasive and simple way to repair a minor crack in a tooth. Your dentist uses a dental resin that matches your natural tooth colour to repair the crack, so it doesn’t worsen and restore your tooth’s functionality.
Dental bonding is used for minor chips to teeth that are damaged when biting into something hard or if you are accidentally hit in the mouth. This cosmetic treatment hides the crack and renews your confidence when you laugh, talk and smile.
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth? Dental Crown
A crack above the gum line may not be a dental emergency and require an emergency dentist. However, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the crack from worsening and decay from spreading to the dental pulp housed inside your tooth’s root.
A dental crown is a versatile restoration that fits over your original tooth to restore the tooth’s strength, function and appearance. Find further details.
At Gordon Family Dental, we offer traditional dental crowns made from porcelain, metal, or metal-fused-to-porcelain. These dental crowns require two dental appointments to complete the preparation and fitting of the crown.
We also offer same-day CEREC dental crowns using cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology to mill your bespoke crown from a block of ceramic.
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth? Root Canal Treatment or Extraction
A severely cracked tooth may be a dental emergency, and you may need to seek out an emergency dentist. If the crack in your tooth has caused an infection to your dental pulp, your dentist can perform root canal therapy to save your tooth.
A root canal treatment involves removing the dental pulp and disinfecting and sealing the tooth with a temporary filling. You will need a follow-up appointment to have a permanent filling or dental crown placed to fully restore your tooth.
Unfortunately, the cracked tooth is so severe that it damages the root in some circumstances, and the tooth has to be extracted. If this is the case with your tooth, your dentist can discuss your tooth replacement options with you.
Contact Gordon Family Dental Care if You Have a Dental Emergency
At Gordon Family Dental, Dr Ken Ho and his team understand that a severely cracked tooth requires an emergency dentist. Rest assured that our experienced dental team can restore your smile and confidence using their skill and state-of-the-art equipment.
Please call our practice on (02) 9159 6163 if you have a dental emergency and need an emergency dentist.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Reference
Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_25.ashx
Detecting And Treating A Cracked Tooth
https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/cracked-tooth-syndrome/detecting-and-treating-a-cracked-molar
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