Whether you got into a fistfight or suffered a nasty fall, a cracked tooth is not exactly good news. If anything, it is a major dental emergency that can lead to severe dental troubles if left untreated. This is why dentists recommend seeking help as soon as you can.
In this blog, we have discussed all the different ways you can fix a cracked tooth. So, rather than wallowing in pain, grab an ice pack and carry on reading to find out how your cracked tooth can be saved.
Can A Cracked Tooth Repair Itself?
Unfortunately, a crack in your tooth, no matter how big or small, is not something that can heal on its own. Your teeth do not have the ability to repair themselves. Once damaged, they can only be treated, not cured.
But thanks to modern dentistry, that are numerous treatment options for a cracked tooth. Since it requires immediate care and attention, your dentist may opt for a procedure that prevents the crack from worsening and spreading. So, rather than the tooth repairing itself, dental treatment is used to help contain the crack from within.
How To Fix A Cracked Tooth?
The first step to fixing a cracked tooth is seeking help when the crack appears. That is to say; time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with a cracked tooth. It doesn’t matter if the crack is deep or at the surface level. What really matters is that you head to your dentist and schedule a dental exam immediately.
Once the dentist examines the cracked tooth, they will decide how to treat it. Sealing or bonding it can work wonders in cases of a minor fissure. However, if the fracture runs deep, the tooth may have to undergo root canal therapy or get replaced with a dental implant. Mentioned below are some of the most common ways to fix a cracked tooth.
Dental Crown
A crown is a wonderful solution for cracked teeth since it uses the healthy structure of your tooth to anchor itself. This protects the tooth’s roots and shields the crack from external stimuli so it doesn’t deepen over time.
Veneers
In order to restore the fractured enamel of your tooth, dentists suggest getting veneers, the purpose of which is to cover the surface of the tooth and, ultimately, the crack. Veneers help to make your teeth look whole while enhancing the color, shape, and size of your pearly whites.
Dental Bonding
If the crack on your tooth is relatively small, chances are the dentist will repair it through dental bonding, a treatment that uses composite resin to bond the cracked tooth. The dentist uses the bonding agent to fill the gaps in the tooth before polishing and smoothing it out to resemble your natural tooth, minus the cracks.
Dental Implant
In case of a severely cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend getting it extracted. Thus, as a replacement, you could opt for dental implant surgery, which will leave you with a new tooth altogether. One that is free of cracks or any other damage.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is not just reserved for cavities; it can also be used to treat cracks, especially if the damage reaches all the way to the pulp. Your dentist will schedule the root canal to treat the fractured tooth before sealing it with a dental crown.
Conclusion
There are numerous ways to fix a cracked tooth. However, only your dentist can decide which treatment is best fitted for you. The moment you feel a crack appear in your tooth, do not wait. Seek immediate dental care, as leaving it untreated could cause severe dental complications.
For more information, feel free to contact SIMA Dental at (281) 457-6444. You can also visit our dental office at 14815 Woodforest Blvd, TX 77530, located next to Subway.