Teeth that suffer cracking damage through an accident or other trauma may not be strong enough to lend sufficient support to a person’s bite, potentially leading to further dental problems, as well as regular pain while biting. As a result, many people might elect to have a broken tooth removed and replaced with a prosthetic. However there’s no need for extraction of the tooth, as dental crowns can help to preserve the structure and function of a broken tooth, without the tooth suffering further damage.
There are many reasons why a tooth may crack, ranging from accident or trauma to excessive amounts of fillings in a particular tooth. A dentist can affix a dental crown to most teeth – even those with multiple fillings. The dentist might elect to crown a tooth that isn’t broken, but may have several fillings, if he or she deems further fillings may weaken the tooth to extremes and increase the likelihood that the tooth may crack or split. [pullquote]There are many reasons why a tooth may crack, ranging from accident or trauma to excessive amounts of fillings in a particular tooth. [/pullquote] People who tend to grind or clench their teeth – a condition known as ‘bruxism’ – may be more susceptible to cracked teeth, due to the constant pressure such actions exert. Patients who have undergone root canal treatment or who have large fillings in their teeth may also be more at risk of experiencing cracked teeth.
A dental crown used by dentists encapsulates the entire tooth, helping to hold the broken tooth together in one piece. The crown lends strength and support to the tooth, helping to maintain its structure by preventing the crack from developing further, as well as preserving its natural strength. The dental crown can also seal the cracked tooth against bacterial ingress, helping to safeguard the health of the tooth.
Dental crowns may be used as part of other dental treatments, such as root canal treatments and in cosmetic dental implants replacements, as well as natural tooth retention, such as in the case of cracked teeth. Diagnosis of cracked teeth can be problematic as some patients ‘feel’ where the crack occurs through some discomfort, but the crack may not be visible. In these instances the dentist will have to test teeth in order to identify cracking.
Cracking can occur superficially on the tooth’s enamel, or can spread throughout the entire tooth, affecting the roots and pulp.
Once the location and severity of the crack has been determined by the dentist, he or she can proceed with the placement of a dental crown, or if required, utilize an alternative treatment if a dental crown might not be a suitable solution.
If you are experiencing discomfort from a cracked tooth and need treatment, contact our experienced team of dental professionals at Georgian Dental®. Call 888-739-2975 to schedule an appointment today.READY TO GET THE SMILE YOU ALWAYS WANTED?