Cracked Tooth Repair in MA
Cracked Tooth Repair
Cracked Tooth Repair in Jamaica Plain and Malden, MA
Cracked Tooth Repair
What is Cracked Tooth Repair?
Do I Need Cracked Tooth Repair?
- Pain when chewing: This could be a sign that your tooth is cracked and causing discomfort when pressure is applied.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold: If you experience heightened sensitivity, especially to temperature changes, it may indicate that a crack has exposed the sensitive nerves inside your tooth.
- Visible cracks: Sometimes, you may notice a visible crack in your tooth, either on the surface or extending deeper into the tooth structure.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums: In some cases, a cracked tooth can lead to infection, which may cause the gums around the affected tooth to swell or become tender.
Benefits of Cracked Tooth Repair
Cracked teeth often cause sharp pain when chewing or exposed to temperature changes. Repairing the crack provides immediate relief, allowing you to eat and drink comfortably.
Untreated cracks can worsen over time, leading to more severe fractures or infections. Repairing the crack restores the tooth’s strength and prevents further damage.
Cracked tooth repair, such as dental bonding or crowns, restores the tooth’s function, enabling you to chew properly without discomfort.
Visible cracks can affect your smile. Treatments like bonding or crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, improving your appearance and boosting confidence.
Cracks can expose the tooth’s pulp to bacteria, leading to infection. Repairing the crack reduces this risk and preserves the health of your tooth
Solutions like crowns and root canals are durable and provide lasting protection, ensuring your tooth remains functional and healthy for years.
Common Causes & Signs of Cracked Teeth
There Are Two Main Stages
A blow to the mouth or an accident can cause your tooth to crack.
Constant grinding or clenching of the teeth can lead to cracks over time.
Chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard substances can cause a tooth to crack or break.
If you have an old or large filling, it may weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cracking.
As you age, your tooth enamel becomes thinner, increasing the likelihood of cracks developing.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
This pain is often sharp and occurs when pressure is applied to the tooth.
If you notice discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, a cracked tooth might be the cause.
Cracks may appear as hairline fractures or extend deeper into the tooth.
Infected or abscessed teeth can lead to swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums.
How Cracked Tooth Repair Works at Atlantic Dental Partners in MA
Dental bonding is an excellent and efficient solution for minor cracks or chips. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the cracked area. The resin is shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring a seamless repair. The material is then hardened with a special light, providing a smooth, durable finish. Bonding is typically a quick, non-invasive procedure that can restore the tooth’s function and aesthetics in just one visit, making it ideal for small cracks or cosmetic concerns.
Dental crowns are often the best solution for more significant cracks that compromise the tooth’s structure. Crowns are custom-made caps that fit over the damaged tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. They are ideal for cracks that affect a substantial portion of the tooth. After preparing the tooth, a crown is placed over it to provide long-lasting protection and prevent further damage. Crowns are durable and designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth, restoring both function and beauty.
In cases where a crack extends into the tooth’s pulp and causes infection, root canal therapy may be necessary. The damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth is carefully removed during this procedure. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a filling to prevent further infection. Afterward, a dental crown is placed on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance. Root canal therapy saves the tooth, alleviates pain, and restores its function, making it an essential treatment for deeply cracked teeth.
Extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage or infection when a tooth is severely cracked and beyond repair. Extraction is the best action if a cracked tooth is causing persistent pain or is severely damaged, and other repair methods are not viable. After removing the tooth, we will discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. These solutions can restore your smile and maintain the function of your teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile comfortably again.
Aftercare for Cracked Tooth Repair
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Immediately following your treatment, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, especially if you had a crown or bonding placed. This prevents the repaired tooth from further stress or potential damage.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to keep the repaired tooth and surrounding gums clean. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent plaque buildup and decay.
- Monitor for Sensitivity: It’s common to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold foods after a cracked tooth repair. If the sensitivity persists for more than a few days, contact your dentist for advice.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Your dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to check the repaired tooth and ensure everything is healing properly. It’s essential to keep these appointments to achieve optimal results.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a mouthguard can protect your repaired tooth from additional damage.
- Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or chew on non-food items. This can cause unnecessary stress on the repaired tooth and lead to future damage.
Meet Dr. Ziad Eskandar – Your Expert in Cracked Tooth Repair
FAQs
No, a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. It’s important to seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage.
Most cracked tooth repairs, such as crowns or bonding, can last many years with proper care. Your dentist will guide you on the best maintenance practices.
Most cracked tooth repair procedures are minimally invasive, and we offer anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment.
After the procedure, you may need to briefly avoid chewing hard or sticky foods. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions.
Book Your Cracked Tooth Repair Consultation Today
