Your teeth are super strong, but they are still susceptible to wear and can crack or break. Teeth crack or break for a variety of reasons, here are the most common ones:
- Biting down on something hard;
- Falling, accidents or being hit in the face with an object;
- Complications with old amalgam fillings;
- A tooth weakened by decay;
- Chewing on ice, or quickly going from very cold to very hot foods or drinks and vice versa.
If your tooth cracks or breaks, you may or may not feel pain. However, just because you do not feel pain, it doesn’t mean that you do not need treatment from the Placerville Dental Group! A broken or cracked tooth needs prompt attention to avoid further dental problems or complications.
When Teeth Are Cracked
When a tooth has a hairline crack, it might hurt only when you drink a hot or cold beverage. This is a warning sign that the tooth nerve is exposed. Or, if you have bitten something hard and your tooth cracks in half, it can be very painful, making it impossible to chew food normally. In either case, come see us immediately at our convenient Placerville dental office. A broken tooth definitely constitutes a dental emergency. One of our dentists will examine the tooth and prescribe a course of treatment, such as:
- Very small, surface-level cracks might just need a polish to buff out any roughness.
- Tooth chips can usually be filled in with composite resin to repair the damage and keep the tooth’s natural appearance. Larger chips may need a veneer to maintain the tooth’s strength.
- Broken, cracked or split teeth are usually repaired with an onlay or crown to preserve the healthy part of the tooth;
- In some cases, root canal therapy if necessary.
If the tooth cannot be saved because it is too damaged or there is extensive decay, the tooth is extracted, with oral surgery if needed. The Placerville Dental Group believes that saving your natural teeth is the best course, so we encourage patients to get prompt treatment when they have a broken, chipped or cracked tooth. With quick action, the tooth might be saved!
Many patients say they don’t have time for pain, but wishing away dental injuries doesn’t work. Any delay, with or without pain, usually ends up costing a patient more time and money the longer they wait. Your oral health, well-being and comfort are important to us! Sleep dentistry makes repairs possible even for people with serious dental office anxiety. Credit and discount plans help all in the community get the care they need from our professional dental team. Call us at the Placerville number above or stop by our office at 699 Main Street, Suite B, for more assistance.
0 Comments