Cracked Teeth? Here’s How You Can Fix Them!

Your teeth might crack from falling, biting down on something hard, or getting a blow to your face. The chances of your teeth getting cracked instantly increase when they already have some decay. 

According to the American Dental Association, consuming things like candies, ice, dried fruit, soda, sports drinks, and alcohol frequently can also damage your teeth and cause cracks.

Bad eating and oral cleaning habits can weaken the enamel of your teeth which can lead to cracks. If your teeth have cracks as well due to the above-mentioned or some other unfortunate circumstances, you will be glad to know that there are a number of treatment options that you can consider.

Types of Cracked Teeth

Before we consider some treatment options for your cracked teeth, it is better to know a little about the types of cracked teeth. This way you can easily determine the extent of damage to your teeth. This information can help you pinpoint the type of damage and based on that information; you can easily come up with a better treatment option.

Here are some of the main types of cracked teeth

• Fractured Cusp

If only the chewing surface of your teeth is damaged, it usually indicates that you have a fractured cusp. This condition doesn’t cause a lot of pain, unlike some other cases of cracked teeth.

• Crazed Lines

These are in the form of tiny cracks that affect the outer enamel only and cause no pain. These lines make your teeth look unpleasant however, they are not that big of a medical issue.

• Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fracture as the name suggest begins in the tooth root and moves vertically toward the chewing surface. This condition is hard to identify and, in most cases, it is discovered when the surrounding gums or bone become visibly affected.

• Split Tooth

If your teeth have been cracked for a long time, it can lead to splitting which is characterized by a crack with distinct segments.

• Cracked Tooth

In this situation, the crack extends from the chewing surface to the root of your tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of a tooth and that is why early detection and medical assistance are of key importance in this case.

Some Popular Procedures to Repair Cracked Teeth

After accurately determining the cause behind your cracked tooth, your doctor will recommend you the most suitable treatment.

Here are some popular procedures that you can expect to go through if you have cracked teeth

1. Dental Bonding

This medical procedure is used to repair decayed, cracked, discoloured, and gapped teeth. This procedure is done without the application of anaesthesia except when it is done to treat cavities.

First, the dentist roughens your tooth and applies a conditioning liquid. After that, putty is applied and moulded to make your teeth appear uniform. Finally, ultraviolet light is used to make sure the composite gets hard and sticks to your teeth. After drying., the bonding is shaped and polished to give your teeth a more natural look.

2. Crowns

A dental crown is sort of a cap that covers your broken or chipped teeth to protect these from further decay. In this procedure, the patient is given anaesthesia and then the doctor prepares the tooth.

After that, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth and prepares a permanent one that matches the sheep of your teeth. This prepared tooth is cemented to the affected teeth. Crowns are created for each patient specifically so that they fit perfectly with their existing teeth.

3. Veneers

Veneer is a porcelain-based material that is bonded to the front of your tooth to improve its appearance and protect it from further damage. Veneers can last up to thirty years if you take good care of them.

The first step in this process is the preparation of your teeth which involves removing some of their structure so that they don’t look too bulky after applying veneers. After that, the dentist takes impressions to determine the shape, size, and shade of your veneers.

These veneers are then bonded to the front of your teeth and adjusted a little so that they do not make your teeth look too big.

4. Root Canal

This treatment is used when the crack of your teeth has extended into the pulp causing toothache, swelling, or sensitivity. First, an X-ray of the patient is taken to determine the exact location of the damage.

After that, the patient is given anaesthesia to reduce the pain and discomfort. Then, the dentist will use a drill to go deep into the tooth and remove the pulp and the nerve.

Finally, the tooth is sealed to prevent infection and a crown is placed on top of it if there are signs of weakness in your teeth.

5. Dental Implant

Dental Implant treatment is done when the crack extends below your gum line. In this case, your tooth needs to be removed and a dental implant is used to replace it. In this procedure, biocompatible titanium screws are placed in your jawbone which acts as the new root of your tooth.

After some time, the bone fuses with the screws to give your teeth a strong foundation. After about twelve to sixteen weeks, the dentist takes the impression of your teeth and creates a customized abutment and a dental crown. Finally, the dentist will place your permanent crown on top of the implant and ensure a secure and comfortable fit.                  

Final Thoughts

The early detection and treatment of cracked teeth can save you from major health risks in the future. If you notice that one or more of your teeth are getting cracked, it is advised that you contact your dentist as soon as possible to determine the type of treatment you need.

When choosing your treatment, make sure to discuss all the options you have and their side effects. This can help you avoid unforeseen health risks and it will give you the peace of mind that you are making the right call.  

Contact Specialist Dental Services UK for professional cracked teeth diagnosis and treatment.