Are you dealing with a cracked tooth? Read on to learn more about how dentists treat a cracked tooth. It is important to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible to avoid the issue worsening, lingering, or leading to more serious oral health concerns. The good news, however, is that there are several ways to treat a cracked tooth.
The method chosen to deal with a cracked tooth will depend on the severity of the crack, the location of the tooth, and your personal preference for treatment. However, three of the most common forms of cracked tooth treatments are a dental crown, root canal therapy, and a dental implant.
A dental crown is the most common type of dental restoration for a cracked tooth, especially when treating a tooth further back in the mouth, such as a molar or premolar. There are different types of dental crowns for patients to consider, including ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal alloy, and gold crowns. The tooth restoration works by covering the entire tooth (not just the cracked part). In some instances, an onlay or an inlay may be an option.
Root canal therapy is usually necessary when the tooth crack exposes the tooth’s root and leads to the damage, infection, or decay of the deeper layers of the tooth, specifically the dental pulp. Root canal therapy involves the removal of the damaged, decayed, or infected pulp and filling the tooth with a material known as gutta-percha. A dental crown is usually placed on top of the treated tooth to protect it after root canal therapy.
A dental implant is often recommended if the cracked tooth cannot be saved and requires extraction. An implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone; it serves as the support and root for the dental restoration placed on top of the implant. For replacing a single tooth, a dental crown is placed on the abutment of the dental implant to complete the restoration. There are other tooth replacement options to consider as well, such as a partial denture or a fixed dental bridge.
To determine the treatment option that works best for you, visit a dentist and their staff for a consultation. The first visit provides a way for the dentist to examine the severity of the crack and recommend either saving the tooth or replacing it. They can explain the pros and cons of each treatment option and help you put together a treatment plan.
The following are three common questions about cracked tooth treatment. This should help you understand more about your treatment options and make the best decision possible for your tooth restoration needs.
This review has discussed dental crown restorations, root canal therapy, and dental implants for treating a cracked tooth. While these are three of the most popular treatment solutions, there are other options that may be available to you. Namely, many dentists recommend dental veneers, composite-resin dental bonding, and dental fillings to treat cracked teeth. If tooth replacement is necessary, then a partial denture or a fixed bridge may be options, as well.
Dental restorations last anywhere from five to more than 20 years, depending on the type of dental restoration, the location of the tooth, and how well the patient cares for the restoration. A dentist can explain the expected lifespan of each available cracked tooth treatment option during a consultation visit.
You can take care of your cracked tooth restoration in the same way as you do natural teeth, which includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. It is also important to limit the risk of dental trauma, which may include wearing a nightguard or a mouthguard at certain times. Of course, regular cleaning visits with a dentist are encouraged, as well.
If you have a cracked tooth (or a damaged tooth of any kind), then contact our dental office today. We offer tooth restoration services, including dental crowns and dental bonding. To learn more about your options and to get the care you need for your cracked tooth, schedule a consultation with our dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown in Coral Gables, FL.
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