A Cracked Tooth Can Be Saved with Several Options
Posted on 9/7/2020 by Dr. Burnham |
 A cracked tooth is not something that can be fixed using one method. When you crack your tooth, we have to check the severity of the crack first before we proceed. You can get a cracked tooth from grinding your teeth, chewing on ice or hard foods, or from the aging process. A crack in a tooth is quite common, as it is a leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. Fortunately, we can save a tooth that is cracked. It just depends on the type of crack and the severity.
What Are the Types of Cracks?
Cracks in teeth can appear as super small cracks or as obvious fractures. For example, micro cracks in the enamel, known as craze lines, normally do not cause pain and do not need treatment. A fractured cusp, on the other hand, emerges around a filling. It does not cause much discomfort, as it is a surface crack. A crack that extends to the gum line, but does not quite reach it can be saved. If it extends further down, the tooth may need to be removed. We may be able to save a part of a split tooth if we act fast. A vertical root fracture travels up from the gum, but does not cause much pain unless the tooth becomes infected. In most cases, a tooth that has a crack that extends to the gum line will be removed.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth and Some of the Treatments?
When your tooth is cracked, you will experience pain when biting or chewing, or experience sensitivity to cold, heat, or anything sweet. Swelling will appear around the site, with the pain being random, never continuous. To fix a crack in a tooth that can be saved, we use bonding or crowns, or perform a root canal. Treatment for saving a tooth will depend on the tooth's location, your specific complaints, and how far the crack extends.
If you don't have a fairly large crack repaired right away, you can come down with a fever or experience even worse health concerns. Give us a call when you have this type of emergency. We will do everything we can to save your tooth.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
