Cracked Tooth Treatments
The way a cracked tooth is treated depends on the type of crack. The good news is that treatment is not always necessary. In the case of minor cracks in the enamel, regular check-ups with your dentist will suffice. In more serious cases, specific cracked tooth treatment at your dentist’s office will be your best bet.
Here are some ways your dentist may fix your cracked tooth.
Dental filling
A simple and quick method of rebuilding a cracked tooth is to use a dental filling, similar to. In the case of front teeth, your dentist may use bonding (ie building up the tooth with a light-cured composite made of resin).
Veneers
These are thin, single flakes that are glued to the front (face) surface of the teeth. The patient can choose from acrylic veneers (used as temporary replacements), composite veneers, and ceramic veneers. The latter do not differ in appearance from natural teeth and allow you to enjoy a beautiful smile for up to 10-15 years.
Crowns
Used in the case of more serious tooth cracks. Unlike veneers, crowns completely cover the tooth, restoring its full functionality and protecting it from total loss. If the dental pulp has been damaged, the tooth must first undergo root canal treatment.
Inlays
This is an alternative to veneers and crowns, used in the case of reconstruction of a tooth cracked after root canal treatment. They are placed on the crown, reconstructing the chewing part of the tooth.
Other methods of treatment
In cases of deep cracks, when the tooth root has already fractured, more advanced procedures may be necessary, such as the extraction of the tooth and then replacing it with a bridge or implant.
How to prevent cracked teeth?
The most important thing is proper oral hygiene and changing bad habits. To prevent cavities (which weakens the enamel and increases the risk of cracking), you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss. It is also worth taking care of your diet - eat foods rich in calcium and limit your intake of sugar, as well as citrus fruits. The acids contained in their juice weaken the enamel. Regular visits to the dentist are also necessary so that he can notice damage to the enamel in advance and treat cavities on an ongoing basis.
It would also be good to work on your daily habits. Giving up biting your nails or opening bottles with your teeth is a good step towards a better change. It is also worth examining your bite for defects or bruxism. In some cases, your doctor may suggest orthodontic treatment. It is definitely better to prevent cracked teeth than to treat them.
A cracked tooth is not the end of the world. Although it may seem like a serious problem, dentists have many methods of treating it, and cases requiring tooth extraction are rare. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, make an appointment at your dental office as soon as possible. This can prevent other issues surrounding cracked teeth from becoming a problem and can help save your tooth.