Cracked teeth can happen at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re playing catch with your kids, trip down the steps, or just bite down on an unpopped corn kernel, if you crack your tooth, it is extremely important to have it looked at as quickly as possible. This is because, without immediate attention, a cracked tooth can split further, resulting in additional damage to the tooth and may damage your gums or neighboring teeth. Here is what you need to know when it comes to the cracked teeth treatment Houma, LA, that is available to you.
Teeth can crack in various ways. Craze lines are often superficial-looking cracks that form within the enamel. Often these cracks don’t mean pain. While the lack of pain may cause you to avoid seeing a dentist, think again. It’s always best to know what’s going on with your tooth and if some treatment is warranted to protect the tooth.
On the other hand, gumline cracks are cracks that will extend down to or even below the gumline. If the crack can be treated before it plunges below the gum line, the tooth can likely be treated. However, if the crack continues past the gums, the roots are likely damaged as well. In this case, there’s a strong possibility the tooth needs to be replaced.
A fractured cusp occurs when a crack splits away from a dental filling. Whether it is a filling from a cavity or a root canal, the crack can grow if not treated. However, it likely does not affect the tooth’s interior, so as long as it is addressed sooner rather than later, the tooth is likely salvageable.
A split tooth is a serious issue, and it occurs when the tooth is physically split. The crack can travel below the gumline. With this kind of damage, you need to come in and see us immediately because it is an emergency. The longer you wait to have the tooth inspected, the greater the chance of losing the tooth.
Lastly, there is a root fracture. Sometimes the fraction is only below the gum line (although chances are the crack is visible). When the roots are damaged, it’s generally necessary to replace the tooth, although every case is different.
Treating a cracked tooth is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The kind of repair depends on the severity of the crack, the location, and several other factors.
Sometimes a crown is a way to go, with a crown, a ceramic or porcelain prosthetic is placed over the top of the tooth. Other times, a plastic resin might be necessary to fill in the crack of the tooth. This is known as bonding.
Other times, if your tooth has sustained a crack, it is possible that the tooth’s interior pulp has been damaged. If the nerve endings have died off, then you will need a root canal. The root canal will not only clean out the dead organic material, but it may be necessary to combine this treatment with another treatment, such as bonding or a crown.
If the damage is severe enough, an extraction might be warranted. If you went to your general dentist and recommended extraction, it is wise to seek a second opinion from a specialist such as our staff here at Southern Endodontic Specialists. The goal is always to save the tooth, so before having the tooth removed, make sure there is no other option. If the tooth does need to be removed, an implant should be installed in its place.
If you have suffered any kind of tooth crack, it doesn’t matter its severity. You need to have it looked at. Sometimes a crack might not look very serious, but it is better to have it checked out and know for sure. Sometimes a tooth shows minimal damage on the exterior, yet the interior has sustained extreme structural damage (including the root system). So, instead of putting off addressing the issue, give our staff here at Southern Endodontic Specialists right away. We’ll get you in as quickly as possible and begin whatever kind of treatment is required as soon as possible.
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Sat – Sun | Closed
Mon – Thu | 8am – 5pm
Fri | 8am – 3pm
Sat – Sun | Closed
