A cracked or broken tooth represents an issue that arises frequently in dentistry. This can happen due to the pressure of biting on something hard or chewing on a solid object. Cavities or decay can increase the likelihood of a tooth breaking under these circumstances. A traumatic blow to the mouth, which may occur due to a car crash, fall, or other accident, may cause a tooth to break or chip.
Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be possible to repair the tooth using dentistry techniques. While a fractured or broken tooth is not a reason to panic, it should be evaluated by a dentist right away.
Fractures of a tooth can follow a number of different patterns. The type of fracture, as well as its severity, can determine whether a tooth can be repaired and, if so, what dentistry treatment options are available.
The break in a cracked tooth starts at the chewing surface and extends toward the root in a vertical fashion. The prognosis for saving the tooth depends on how quickly the crack is identified and treated. Cracked teeth that do not receive prompt treatment only get worse.
Left untreated, a cracked tooth can eventually turn into a split tooth consisting of distinct, separable segments.
A vertical root fracture is a crack that, rather than starting at the top of the tooth and extending down, begins in the root of the tooth and extends upward toward the surface.
A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks away. Though it does not cause much pain, it can undermine the tooth's structural integrity, increasing the risk of further damage.
Extensive damage to the tooth may require a crown. This consists of a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the remaining portion of the tooth. Crowns can be made of materials such as ceramic or metal. Some materials are stronger while others more closely resemble natural teeth. It is necessary to remove some material from the tooth for a crown to fit in the mouth. An impression is taken so that the crown fits snugly. When the crown comes back from the lab, it is cemented in place.
If only a small portion of the tooth has broken off, a filling may be all that is needed to repair the damage. Composite bonding may be used to repair a tooth that is visible when you smile. The bonding material consists of composite resin of a color to match your natural tooth. It is applied to the tooth and shaped to look natural after first preparing the tooth by etching its surface and applying an adhesive. The last step is to harden the material using ultraviolet light.
If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, the only possible treatment option is extraction. However, this is only performed as a last resort.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Cumming, GA
Trauma to the mouth or excess pressure on the teeth can cause a cracked or broken tooth. Tooth fractures can follow different patterns and ranges in severity, but general dentistry offers several possible treatment options.
Request an appointment or call North Georgia Smiles at 770-889-7867 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
Daily brushing and flossing, combined with routine professional cleanings, are the most important components of general dentistry. However, other habits and lifestyle choices can improve dental health. Many times, a dentist may even recommend sugar-free chewing gum to patients for healthier teeth.The main reason chewing gum is often suggested to general dentistry patients is its…
Wisdom teeth can be confusing to understand without the help of a dentist. The main thing that most people know about their wisdom teeth is that they hurt like crazy when you start to develop them. This article will answer a few of the most common questions that people have about wisdom teeth to understand…
With two types of tooth extractions in the form of simple and surgical, there are multiple reasons a patient might need them. Both types involve removing the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While preserving natural teeth is ideal for patients of all ages, certain situations call for a tooth extraction.One of the primary…