What Is A Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is often the result of physical trauma or chronic stress on the enamel and can cause pain and make it hard to speak or chew. There are several types of tooth cracks, including a fractured cusp, craze lines, a split tooth, and a vertical root fracture. The classification of the crack depends on its depth and location, which also helps identify the best treatment. It's important to get help at Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC as soon as possible so your tooth has a higher chance of being saved. A crack in your tooth cannot be healed, but we may be able to repair it so your tooth is saved and your pain can be relieved.
How Is A Cracked Tooth Treated?
The crack's location and depth help determine the best treatment procedure. After a thorough examination, we will review your case and create a treatment plan. The goal is to either prevent an infection or completely remove an infection. For a fractured cusp, a tooth-colored filling or crown can fix the crack and prevent it from growing. A root canal may be necessary if the crack reaches the tooth's pulp. For a vertical root fracture or split tooth, endodontic surgery might be needed. If the tooth cannot be repaired, it may need to be extracted to keep the infection from reaching your gums and other teeth.
What Are the Symptoms of A Cracked Tooth?
Cracked teeth can occur for a number of reasons, such as chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, or trauma. At Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC, we offer numerous solutions to save cracked teeth. When treating a cracked tooth, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome. Identifying the signs of a cracked tooth early can help you obtain effective treatment and prevent further complications. Some signs of a cracked tooth include:
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gums around the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Unexplained pain and discomfort
- Sharp pain that comes and goes
Benjamin Lievense, DDS Reviews
Friendly, knowledgeable our whole family sees Dr Ben.
Dr. Ben and the staff were awesome about getting me in for a toothache. Everyone is friendly and helpful!!! Thank you!
Just the best office and dentist. Professional, friendly and care and will go the extra mile if you need help
Professional, competent and friendly. Always a great experience with all staff personnel.
Best Dentist and staff in tricities. no pain, nice, friendly. Like having your momma work on your teeth. Excellent!!!
6
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my teeth from cracking?
Preventative measures to avoid cracked teeth include:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies
- Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to keep your teeth strong and healthy
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups to catch potential issues early
How do cracked teeth affect my overall oral health if not treated promptly?
Untreated cracked teeth can allow bacteria to enter, leading to painful infections that may spread and require extensive treatment. Over time, the crack can worsen, causing significant tooth damage or loss, affecting chewing and speaking, and potentially necessitating complex restorative procedures. Additionally, trapped food particles and bacteria in the cracks can increase the risk of gum disease and affect the health of surrounding teeth, making prompt intervention at Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC in Saginaw, MI essential to preserve oral health.
How can I tell if my tooth is cracked?
Common signs of a cracked tooth include sharp pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, and discomfort that comes and goes. If you suspect a crack, you must visit Dr. Lievense for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnosis.
Treatments for A Cracked Tooth
Tooth cracks can be uncomfortable and create future problems if not appropriately treated. At Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC in Saginaw, MI, we work to diagnose your cracked tooth and treat it so your smile stays healthy. Contact our practice, and schedule a consultation at the first signs of a cracked tooth.