Can I ignore a cracked tooth?
Can I ignore a cracked tooth?
Do you grind your teeth? Do you already have a cracked tooth? This article could save you a tooth or two. Learn what to do if you have a cracked tooth here.
The Dilemma of a Cracked Tooth: To Ignore or Not to Ignore?
A cracked tooth might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it could signal underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to significant complications. Understanding the causes, potential risks, and available remedies is crucial for maintaining oral health.
Causes Behind a Cracked Tooth
Various factors contribute to a cracked tooth, including unexpected trauma, biting down on hard substances, bruxism (teeth grinding), or even simple temperature changes causing contractions within the tooth structure.
Some of the most common causes include biting into hard candy, opening bottles with your teeth, biting popcorn kernels and even biting items such as plum or olive seeds by accident. Each of these can easily cause a tooth to crack.
Solutions for a Cracked Tooth
When faced with a cracked tooth, seeking urgent dental care is crucial. The approach to fixing a cracked tooth depends on the extent of damage and its location within the tooth structure. There are 4 main solutions, which we discuss in depth below:
Dental Bonding: Repairing Minor Cracks
Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the affected tooth. This method effectively repairs minor cracks and chips, restoring the tooth's functionality and appearance.
Dental Crown: Protecting and Restoring
For more substantial damage, a dental crown might be necessary. This involves placing a cap over the damaged tooth, protecting it from further harm while restoring its strength and aesthetics.
Root Canal Treatment: Addressing Deeper Damage
In cases where the crack extends deeper into the tooth, affecting the pulp, a root canal might be recommended. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the area, and sealing it to prevent infection, thus preserving the tooth's integrity.
Tooth Extraction: A Last Resort
In severe instances where the tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be salvaged, extraction becomes the last resort. While not the ideal scenario, it eliminates the risk of infection spreading and allows for potential replacement options like implants or bridges.
Risks Associated with Neglecting a Damaged Tooth
Ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to various complications, including heightened sensitivity, pain, an increased risk of infection, and potential tooth loss. Delaying treatment might escalate the problem, making it more challenging and costlier to address later.
Preventing a Cracked Tooth
As mentioned, prompt action is crucial when dealing with a cracked tooth. Even seemingly minor cracks can worsen over time if left untreated, potentially leading to more extensive procedures or tooth loss.
Taking preventive measures, such as avoiding hard substances and using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, significantly reduces the risk of developing a cracked tooth.
Need help with a cracked tooth?
A cracked tooth demands attention and timely intervention. Now you understand the causes, available treatments, and risks associated with neglecting a damaged tooth, you will be more capable of making appropriate decisions about your own oral health.
Remember, consulting a dental professional is imperative for proper assessment and tailored treatment, ensuring the preservation of your beautiful smile and overall dental well-being. Don't wait; prioritise your oral health to prevent minor cracks from turning into major problems.
The team at Emergency Dentist Sydney are here to help, no matter what day or time. We work around the clock for you.
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A Smile Says A Thousand Words
Fixing Broken Teeth is Rewarding For Us!
Fixing Broken Teeth is Rewarding For Us!
A great smile is one of the most attractive qualities in the world. It changes the way people see you, the way they interact with you, and it changes the way you see the world. You should never hesitate to smile, but sometimes things can get in the way. If you’re concerned about your teeth or the way your smile looks, it can rob you of everything a smile can bring to your life. And this is a real problem, which is why you need to work with your dentist to overcome these issues as soon as possible.
Rewarding Work
Helping you get back your smile is one of the most rewarding things a dentist can do. As Dr. Oberoi from Emergency Dentist Sydney says, “What inspires me is when I really make a difference in people’s lives every day. I’m giving them more confidence in their smile. I’m helping them overcome years of phobia about the dentist.”
No matter what dental issues you have, your dentist has treatments that can help. And best of all, they’ll feel as good about the results as you will.
Fixing the Pain of Broken Teeth
One of the best things you can do to repair your smile is to get your broken teeth fixed. Teeth can break because of injury, poor oral hygiene, or grinding, and this can not only change how your smile looks, it can also make you feel ashamed and self-conscious. As Dr. Oberoi points out, “Often in the patient’s head, the broken teeth are a terrible fear and shame. But when you’re finished, they’re so happy and grateful with what you’ve done for them. After all that worry and shame, one appointment and everything is fixed.”
Before: Elbow to the Face
After: Dental Bonding
Fixing broken teeth is a relatively easy and straightforward procedure these days. Your dentist will examine your mouth and create a plan to deal with the problem. The treatment will vary depending on the condition of your mouth and teeth. But usually, broken teeth are covered with a dental crown, to give a flawless and natural looking smile.
Before: Cycling Accident
After: Crowns and Composite Bonding
If your broken teeth can’t be salvaged, they can be removed and a dental implant placed into the gum. After a bit of time, the implant site will heal so a new tooth can be fitted into place. And once this is complete, your smile will look so good that you’ll forget there was ever a problem.
If you don’t want to have dental implants put in, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. Dental bridges can be fitted over damaged teeth or used to replace missing teeth.They basically consist of two or more connected dental crowns that are bonded or cemented into place. Once they’re in, the replacement teeth are strong and secure, and they’ll look, feel and act just like your original teeth. So you can forget about them and show off your big, beautiful smile.
Before: Falling Accident
After: Porcelain Veneers and Bonding
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
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