Can cracked teeth risk your oral health?

Having cracked teeth is a big deal, especially when there are no symptoms. If they go unnoticed, then in the near future, you might face more significant problems with your teeth. Harmful bacteria can quickly get into your tooth through nerves which later develop into decay or infection.

What happens when dental cracks go unnoticed?

When the cracked tooth gets an infection, due to the bacteria that pave its path through the nerves of the tooth, you will need root canal therapy to preserve your tooth and to get rid of it. A dental infection needs treatment, and if not treated, then it can result in tooth loss.

How do dental cracks develop? 

People can get cracks in their teeth because of tooth grinding, or bruxism. You might be even grinding your teeth in your sleep, completely unaware of the damage being done. Cracks can also develop with older teeth, i.e., aging, as the teeth get weakened or from past fillings that have damaged their integrity.

What happens when the cracks in your teeth start to hurt?

It is necessary to seek a dentist if your tooth experiences any sensitivity or pain. Whenever you feel like an infection is developing, then it is important to treat it before it gets any worse. By getting the right treatment at the right time, you can avoid further significant problems.

Why do teeth crack?

Many circumstances can lead to tooth crack, and it might be due to:

• Wear and tear occur due to strong biting forces.
• Breaking down of old metal restoration.
• Biting on hard foods like apples, crusty bread, nuts, ice, and hard lollies. This problem can be easily avoided by cutting hard food items into small bite-size pieces.
• Biting on the other hard objects such as fingernails or pens
• An accidental injury due to a blow or fall
• Due to excessive grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaw

Which treatment is best to treat cracked teeth?

It is your dentist or endodontist, who decides the best treatment for you, depending on where the crack manifests in the tooth. After being examined, the dentist chooses the most suitable treatments to repair it, such as:

Polishing: If it’s a minor crack on the enamel of your tooth, then it is just treated by polishing the tooth’s surface.

Veneers: Veneers are also an option to treat external cracks. They are thin shells made from porcelain, ceramic or composite resin, that can cover the front surface of your teeth. Before placing a veneer, the tooth’s size is reduced.

Bonding: Tooth bonding is usually suggested when the crack is situated at or near the front of your mouth. A composite resin is applied and is colored just like your natural teeth. The resin then hardens to seal the crack.

Root Canal: You require a root canal if the crack is deep affecting the center of your tooth. This treatment removes the infected tissue and saves the tooth.

Crowns: Dental crown is recommended for the crack that is deep but hasn’t reached the center of your tooth or gum. These are customized porcelain, ceramic, metal, or other materials, that fit over your damaged tooth.

Dental Implants: Extraction is needed if a crack reaches down to your gum, or when the tooth gets too damaged to save. Implants are a perfect replacement option that replaces a missing tooth root and fuses with your jaw.

If you suspect your tooth or teeth need immediate attention from a possible cracked or chipped tooth, contact your dentist immediately. The longer a tooth stays cracked, the higher are the further complications.

Find the best remedy for your missing teeth by requesting an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez at (310) 820-7272 to acquire your Implants.