If you were participating in some type of sporting activity or accident and cracked your tooth this weekend, you are not alone. Everyday, people just like you crack their teeth as a result of sports-related trauma, car accidents, assaults and more. Obviously, you cannot not walk around with a cracked tooth; nor should you. So, what is the next step? The next step is to schedule an appointment with an experienced and qualified restorative and cosmetic dentist.
There are several different restorative dental treatments that can be used to address a cracked tooth. The treatment that is recommended by your dentist will depend on the location of the tooth in your mouth, the severity of the crack, your budget and other factors.
Dental bonding is one restorative treatment that can be used to address a cracked tooth. This is typically indicated when the crack is not overly severe. The process involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth to fill in the space left due to the crack. The material is then cured with a special light to permanently bond it to the tooth.
If the crack or damage to the tooth is too severe to be treated with dental bonding or a composite resin filling, a crown may be placed over the tooth. A crown will provide addition strength to the tooth and prevent further cracking.
Lastly, if the tooth has been damaged beyond repair, it will need to be extracted. Then, it can be replaced with a partial denture, dental bridge or dental implant.
Unfortunately, a cracked tooth is more than just a cosmetic problem. Failure to restore a cracked tooth in a timely manner can leave that tooth more susceptible to infection. If you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait until it is too late to seek treatment. Instead, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dentist today.
