Posted on 8/20/2019 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
When a tooth cracks, your options are different than they would be if the tooth were to come out altogether. In addition, depending on the severity of the crack, the remedy may be a simple as a few minutes in the dentist’s chair. If you have cracked a tooth, here is what you need to know.
Not All Tooth Cracks Are The Same
Some cracks are very minor and only affect the outer surface of the tooth. These cracks, known as craze lines, are relatively easy to fix with a simple polishing session. On the other hand, some cracks go much deeper into the tooth, going through the enamel entirely and possibly even into the dentin.
These major cracks can cause serious issues if you leave them untreated for long enough. In addition to possibly causing pain or discomfort, they can allow bacteria to get into the tooth, resulting in a nasty infection that could eventually cause the tooth to come out completely.
Remedies For Tooth Cracks
As noted above, a minor crack can often be fixed by polishing the enamel around it. More serious cracks can require steps such as getting a crown, having a root canal done, or even removing the tooth completely. Other cracks could be addressed through the use of dental bonding or even a veneer, depending on the location and size of the crack.
All this means that if you have a crack, the first thing you need to do is seek out a professional opinion. Feel free to contact us for more information and even a recommendation on what to do. At the end of the day, it is your call on how you treat the crack in your tooth, but we are more than happy to spend some time with you educating you and making suggestions. Call us today!