Broken or Cracked Tooth in Ballwin, MO
A broken or cracked tooth can cause you an ample amount of discomfort. Whether it’s due to an injury, decay, or other factors, Legacy Dental Online’s experienced team is here to provide compassionate care and effective treatment to restore your oral health and confidence in Ballwin, MO.
What is a Cracked or Broken Tooth?
A cracked tooth, also known as a fractured tooth, occurs when a crack develops in the tooth’s structure. This crack can vary in size, from a minor chip in the enamel to a deep fracture that extends to the root. A broken tooth is a more severe condition where a piece of the tooth actually breaks off.
Types of Cracked Tooth
Cracks in teeth can manifest in several forms:
Craze Lines
These are tiny cracks in the enamel, the tough outer layer of the tooth. They typically don’t cause pain and usually don’t require treatment.
Fractured Cusp
This type of crack often develops near a dental filling. It typically doesn’t penetrate the inner pulp of the tooth, resulting in minimal discomfort.
Cracks Extending into the Gum Line
When a crack runs vertically through a tooth but hasn’t reached the gum line, there’s a chance the tooth can be saved with timely intervention. However, if the crack extends into the gum line, extraction may be necessary for optimal oral health.
Split Tooth
This occurs when a crack extends from the surface of the tooth down below the gum line, causing the tooth to split into segments. While saving the entire tooth may be challenging, your dentist may salvage a portion of it depending on the extent of the damage.
Vertical Root Fracture
Starting below the gum line and traveling upwards, this type of crack often goes unnoticed until the tooth becomes infected. Extraction is frequently the only viable solution for this condition.
Causes of a Broken or Cracked Tooth
Several factors can contribute to a cracked or broken tooth, including:
Chewing on Hard Objects
Biting down on hard candies, ice, nuts, or popcorn can put excessive stress on your teeth, leading to cracks.
Trauma
A blow to the face from a fall, accident, or sports injury can crack or break a tooth.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can put a strain on your teeth and lead to cracks over time.
Large Fillings
Extensive dental work on a tooth can weaken it and make it more susceptible to cracking.
Age
As we age, our teeth naturally become more brittle and prone to cracks.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Identifying a cracked tooth on your own can be challenging. Sometimes, there’s a vertical hairline fracture that’s barely visible to the naked eye, and even X-rays might not pick it up. Nonetheless, there are five warning signs of a cracked tooth you should watch out for:
- Tooth Pain While Biting or Chewing: This can indicate a cracked tooth, though the pain may not happen every time you eat. It might only occur with certain foods or biting motions.
- Intermittent Pain: Unlike a cavity or abscess, the pain from a cracked tooth comes and goes. If you’re not experiencing constant pain, a tooth fracture could be the cause.
- Increased Sensitivity: You might feel pain when consuming hot or cold foods or even when eating sticky, sweet, or sour items. Heightened sensitivity could signal a cracked tooth.
- Infection Risk: A cracked tooth can sometimes lead to an infection in the gum line near the fracture. This infection may manifest as a small bump on the gum close to the affected tooth.
- No Visible Signs: Unlike a cavity, where signs of decay are often visible, a cracked tooth may not show any obvious indications. If you’re experiencing tooth pain without any visible signs of decay, it could point to a cracked tooth.
Treatment Options for Broken or Cracked Tooth
At Legacy Dental Online, our team of experienced dentists customizes treatment plans tailored to effectively address broken or cracked teeth. Depending on the extent of the damage, we offer a range of treatment options:
- Dental Bonding: Ideal for minor chips or cracks, dental bonding utilizes tooth-colored composite resin to restore both the appearance and functionality of the affected tooth.
- Dental Crowns: For more extensive damage, our dentists may recommend dental crowns. These prosthetic caps cover and safeguard the remaining tooth structure, ensuring restored strength and aesthetics.
- Root Canal Therapy: When damage penetrates the tooth’s pulp (nerve), root canal therapy becomes essential. This procedure involves the removal of infected or damaged tissue to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
- Extraction: In cases where the damage is severe and the tooth cannot be salvaged, extraction may be the most suitable option. This helps prevent potential complications and preserves overall oral health.
- Dental Implants: Following extraction, dental implants offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they restore function, but they also enhance the appearance of your smile.
Cracked Tooth Treatment in Ballwin, MO
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a broken or cracked tooth, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Legacy Dental Online in Ballwin, MO, to schedule an appointment with our caring team. We’ll assess your condition, discuss your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile’s health and beauty. Your journey to optimal oral health starts here.
FAQs
Can a cracked tooth heal?
Unfortunately, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own, but seeking treatment promptly can increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. Swiftly addressing a broken tooth can minimize the chances of further damage and potential infection.
What can I do to prevent my teeth from cracking?
Although cracked teeth cannot be entirely prevented, you can adopt measures to reduce their likelihood:
- Refrain from chewing on hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens.
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
- If you experience teeth grinding during sleep, consult your dentist about obtaining a retainer or mouthguard for protection.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when engaging in contact sports.
How long can you go without fixing a cracked tooth?
Ideally, patients should aim to schedule a visit for treating the cracked tooth within a few days of the crack occurring and no later than two weeks after the incident. If symptoms show signs of worsening, it’s crucial to seek emergency dental care promptly for immediate attention and relief.
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