Injuries to your teeth can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe you completely missed a curb in your path and took a fall, or maybe another player in your weekend basketball game caught you with an elbow. The good news is that you have several treatment options as well. Learn more about cracked tooth treatment, and schedule an appointment with us in our Mound or Chaska, MN office!
Considerations For A Cracked Tooth
One of the most important factors in how severe your cracked tooth is whether the pulp has been exposed. If the inner parts of the tooth—the pulp and nerve tissue—are exposed, then there’s likely to be a lot of pain. For particularly deep cracks, it’s also vital to decide if the tooth is salvageable or if it should be removed and replaced. Ultimately, our goal is to save the tooth whenever it’s a reasonable option. We’ll walk you though all of your options and the benefits of each for your unique situation.
Cracked Tooth Treatments
Cracked teeth can mean a lot of different things. It can be a small fracture that the patient barely notices or a completely split tooth that causes significant pain. Depending on the level of damage, the tooth can be saved with bonding, crowns or veneers—or it may need to be removed. All patients will be carefully examined and treated on a case-by-case basis.
Small Cracks May Be Treated With Composite Bonding
Bonding is extremely effective for cracks that don’t threaten the pulp of the tooth, especially considering what a simple procedure it is. Composite bonding involves using a resin that is carefully placed over the damaged area before hardening. The treatment requires no anesthesia and typically last up to 10 years.
A Root Canal May Be Necessary If The Inner Tooth Is Exposed
For patients who are feeling pain along with their cracked tooth, a root canal may be the only way to relieve that pain. A root canal involves removing the living parts of the tooth and covering it with a crown, but it will only be necessary if it’s required to stop the patient’s pain and save the tooth.
Veneers or Crowns
Both veneers and crowns are effective cosmetic treatments that can strengthen a tooth and vastly improve the look of your smile. If you have a cracked tooth, these procedures can be used to stabilize the tooth while improving aesthetics.
Extraction & Dental Implant
Sometimes, a tooth is cracked to such a degree that removal is the safest course of action. Fortunately, we can replace it with a realistic looking and permanent dental implant. A partial denture and bridge may also be viable options.
Find Relief For Your Cracked Tooth
No one wants to have an accident and injure their teeth. But when it happens, it’s important that you know where to go to fix the situation. At West Lakes Dentistry, our dental team is experienced in a wide range of treatments to repair your teeth and give you the relief you need. Plus, we can use every resource to ensure that your smile is restored to its most beautiful form.