You probably love chewing hard candy. But the seemingly harmless crunch of a sweet treat can result in a painful cracked tooth. In this case, you need to seek prompt dental care. Ignoring the problem can cause more damage. It can lead to infection or tooth loss.
In the US, the prevalence of cracked teeth is around 60 percent. Modern dentistry offers various solutions to repair cracked teeth. Here, we will delve into the five common dental procedures for cracked tooth repair.
Types of Cracked Tooth
The types of cracked teeth are:
- Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect the outer enamel layer. They are not deep and don’t cause pain, so they are of no concern besides the aesthetic part.
- A fractured cusp is a type of cracked tooth where a part of the tooth cusp breaks. It’s not associated with any pain.
- A cracked tooth is a type of tooth damage. The crack extends from the biting surface towards the root. Left untreated, a cracked tooth will get worse with time, leading to tooth loss.
- A split tooth is due to a silent long-term crack. It has distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth has to be extracted.
- Vertical root fracture is a crack that begins in the root of the tooth. It extends toward the chewing surface. They’re identified when the surrounding tissues get infected.
Dental Procedures to Repair a Cracked Tooth
When repairing a cracked tooth, dentists typically employ several procedures based on the severity and location of the crack. It can be done by:
1. Dental Bonding
“Dental bonding,” as the term implies, is a procedure to bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area. The material is a type of resin. It is cured in place using a special kind of light.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
- Non-invasive or minimally invasive: The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single tooth and does not require anesthesia.
- Cost-effective: It is one of the least expensive dental procedures to repair a cracked tooth.
- Aesthetic procedure: The dentist will match the shade of the resin to your natural teeth. It is indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.
What are the Indications for Dental Bonding?
- Suitable for small cracks or chips in your teeth. It is done for the front teeth.
- Unsuitable for teeth with extensive damage.
2. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shell-like restorations made of porcelain or composite resin. The dentist takes impressions, and custom-made veneers are made to fit over the front surface.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Durability: Veneer is a very durable option for repairing cracked teeth. With proper care, it can last 10 – 15 years or more.
- Looks natural: They look like natural teeth with similar light-reflecting properties.
- Stain-resistant: Porcelain veneers are known to be stain-resistant.
What are the Indications for Dental Veneers?
- Dental veneers are recommended for cracked teeth where traditional bonding is inadequate for effective repair.
- Veneers are not suitable for teeth with extensive damage that requires more comprehensive dental restoration.
3. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that looks like a tooth. It’s placed over a damaged tooth to restore its original shape and strength. Crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and their combinations.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Complete protection: Crowns offer complete protection. They encase the whole visible part of a tooth.
- Durability: Dental crowns can last for many years. It can withstand heavy chewing forces.
- Location: They can be used for both front and back teeth.
What are the Indications for Dental Crowns?
- Severely cracked tooth repair
- Broken teeth
- After root canal therapy
- Teeth with significant decay
- Large fillings
4. Root Canal Therapy
What is a Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp of the tooth is also involved. The pulp is removed, and the tooth is disinfected and sealed.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Pain Relief: It relieves pain and discomfort caused by infection or nerve damage.
- Natural tooth preservation: Saves the natural tooth, preventing extraction.
What are the Indications for Root Canal Treatment?
- Essential for teeth with deep cracks.
- The ones that reach the tooth’s pulp.
- It’s also necessary when there’s infection in the pulp.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term replacement solution for teeth. It’s for heavily damaged teeth.
An implant involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone. It acts as a root for a replacement tooth or crown.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Solution for a lifetime: Implants can last from 10 to 30 years.
- Stability: They work like natural teeth. They offer great stability for chewing and speaking.
- Aesthetic value: They look and feel like natural teeth. They enhance your smile.
What are the Indications of a Dental Implant?
Implants are the best option for missing teeth. They provide a durable and permanent replacement.
Conclusion
Dealing with a cracked or broken tooth can be stressful. But dentistry offers many ways to repair cracked teeth. There is a procedure to meet every need. It ranges from dental bonding for minor chips to implants for severe damage. Talking to a dentist will help you find the best answer. It will be based on the types of cracks and the amount of damage.
We at Hopkins Family Dentistry are a community-oriented dental clinic. Our experts specialize in providing all types of solutions for your cracked teeth.
Contact us today to book a consultation.
Our address: 1919 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Phone: 952.935.2121
