You can get a cracked tooth because of any reason. This includes grinding teeth at night, chewing hard food, and much more. When you notice this, the key is to seek help immediately.
If you leave it for too long, the issue will get worse. Cracked teeth require immediate dental care. Here is what you need to know about it.
How To Identify Cracked Teeth
Here are some of the symptoms that will help you identify if you have cracked teeth:
• You feel pain while chewing
• Your teeth have become sensitive to sweets, cold, and heat
• A sharp pain comes and goes
• The gum around the cracked tooth is tender and swollen
If you are going through any of these symptoms, it means you have a cracked tooth. Once you figure this out, it is time to seek dental care.
Cracked Tooth Treatments
There are a few ways you can fix your cracked tooth. Of course, your dentist will advise you on the best route possible based on your situation. However, these are the top treatments used to fix a cracked tooth:
1. Root Canal
If the crack of the tooth has caused damage to the pulp, then your dentist will recommend this procedure. It involves removing the tooth pulp to prevent any more damage to the tooth. For example, leaving it for too long can cause an infection in your gums.
Your dentist will perform this procedure and take the problem out from the roots. Remember that this treatment is a little painful.
2. Bonding
Dental bonding is for small cracks and chips in the tooth. The dentist will use a plastic resin to fill the crack in your tooth. Once this happens, the function and appearance of your tooth will be restored in no time.
3. Extraction
Extraction is another extensive procedure that your dentist will have to do if there is damage to the roots, nerves, or structure of your tooth. In some cases, this can be the only option to save your teeth. Your healthcare professional will recommend whether this treatment is right for your cracked tooth or not.
4. Crown
Finally, the last option is getting a crown, which is a prosthetic device made of ceramic or porcelain. The dentist will fit the crown over the cracked tooth. To do this, they will have to shave some off your tooth enamel to ensure the fitting of the crown. Many dentists have the technology to create a crown in one day. If you take proper care of this, these can last you for years to come.
Final Words
These are the top four things you can do once you have a cracked tooth. Of course, your dentist will assess your case and recommend the best option for your situation.
Once you get it done, your tooth will start functioning back to normal in no time. If you have a cracked tooth, you must seek immediate dental care for the best results.
