Cracked Tooth Treatments
A cracked tooth is a common condition in dentistry that causes pain and discomfort to the patient. Cracks occur due to various factors such as trauma, bruxism, cavities, aging, and excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
Why do teeth crack?
There are several reasons why teeth crack. However, some causes are more common, including:
- Bruxism: When a person grinds or clenches their teeth, for example, the involuntary and excessive action causes mechanical stress, leading to cracking of the teeth.
- Trauma: A strong impact to the mouth, such as a car accident, for example, can fracture and crack teeth.
- Tooth decay: Failure to treat tooth decay weakens the teeth, consequently making them more susceptible to fracture.
- Aging: As time passes and age advances, teeth become more fragile and therefore more prone to cracking.
- Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks: Foods such as soft drinks and citrus fruits, for example, weaken tooth enamel, thus making teeth more susceptible to cracking.
Therefore, monitoring and preventing these causes of cracked teeth reduces the likelihood of further cracking.
Cracked tooth treatments
It is possible to treat and restore a cracked tooth. However, it is necessary to assess the severity of the crack. For this, an evaluation by a dentist is necessary in order to provide the correct diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment.
Some available treatments include:
- Polishing: In order to smooth the tooth surface, remove irregular edges that irritate the gums, and repair the tooth crack.
- Resin filling: In order to eliminate deeper cracks, resin filling is necessary to protect teeth from further damage.
- Dental crown: when there is a significant loss of tooth structure, requiring tooth preparation, for example, a porcelain or resin dental crown is installed to restore the tooth's shape and function.
- Root canal treatment: There are cases where the crack invades the tooth root, damaging its pulp. Therefore, root canal treatment combined with a dental crown repairs the damage caused by the cracks.
- Tooth extraction: when the crack occurs only in the root, tooth extraction is indicated. Consequently, its replacement is done through the installation of an implant and subsequently a crown.
Therefore, upon noticing cracks in your teeth, seeking dental help provides treatment options to prevent tooth loss. What to do when a tooth cracks?
First, upon noticing a cracked tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will check the condition of the tooth in order to determine the cause and diagnosis of the crack, after a complete evaluation of the tooth and oral health. Then, the appropriate treatment for the condition will be determined.
- Meanwhile, some tips can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by a cracked tooth:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot and cold foods, as these can worsen the painful sensation from the crack.
- Use cold compresses on the affected area to reduce pain and swelling caused by the cracks.
- Use analgesics prescribed by your dentist, such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Dipyrone.
- In addition, it is important to avoid biting or chewing hard or sticky foods until the tooth has been treated to prevent further damage.
In conclusion
There are many different treatments for a cracked tooth; your treatment will depend on the nature of the crack, where it is located on your tooth, and your overall oral health. If you suspect a cracked tooth, call us today, and we will get you on the road to a healthy, happy smile!