Risk of infection
If a tooth is cracked or chipped, there is a high risk of infection. Bacteria can enter the tooth and cause the interior of the tooth to become infected. This can be quite painful and lead to the need for a root canal. Naturally, a root canal is a more extensive procedure that can be uncomfortable and cost significantly more than restoring the tooth immediately. So, if time and money are important, it is wise to have the tooth restored immediately.
Types of restorations for cracked teeth
When someone has cracked or chipped their teeth, we recommend visiting our clinic to learn about restorative solutions. Everything that we offer is going to look natural and be durable. With that in mind, some restorations are going to look more natural than others and some will last longer as well. Essentially, by offering multiple solutions, we make it possible for patients to receive restorations in a variety of price ranges and options that fit within the patient’s timeframe.
Some of the available options are:
Dental bonding
By far the most affordable and fastest way to restore a cracked tooth is to use dental bonding. This material is tooth colored and can be placed directly onto the tooth. The existing enamel can remain in place, the bonding material will be shaped and then hardened. It is important to visit a dentist like us for this procedure. We have experience working with this material and it must be shaped with great precision. The good news is that it hardens quickly and a patient can leave with a fully restored tooth on the same day.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are an incredibly popular option. They are used to create stunning smiles and even Hollywood celebrities have used veneers to create a smile that is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Once the veneers are all in place, a person can have a smile that looks nearly perfect. They are often used for a full smile makeover. However, they can also be used to fix one or two cracked teeth. These porcelain shells can be bonded to the surface of the tooth so that it can be fully restored and functional. It does take a couple of appointments for the veneers to be placed but once done, they will be durable and natural looking.
Dental crowns
When teeth are extensively damaged and some of the tooth structure needs to be removed, it may be necessary to place a crown in order to complete the restoration. A crown can be made of tooth-colored materials so that it looks like a natural tooth would. This is highly effective for allowing the dentist to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged and would otherwise need to be extracted. It can take two or three appointments to have crowns placed, so while it is not an immediate solution, it can be the most durable, protective and long-lasting.
Each patient is different
We offer multiple solutions for restoring cracked teeth because we know that each of our patients is different and so are their needs. As such, we will complete a thorough examination, take x-rays and then make a recommendation for what we feel would be the most effective way to restore your teeth so that you can continue using them and smile with confidence.
Related Posts
What Food Can I Eat After a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a form of surgery that is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Therefore, you need to follow your dentist’s orders after the procedure. That includes proper cleaning, how to reduce …
What is Endodontic Surgery and What is it Used For?
Wondering if endodontic surgery is in your near future? It just might be if you recently had a root canal performed to save one of your teeth and it did not work. Even though root …
When Is a Root Canal Specialist Needed?
A root canal specialist, also known as an endodontist, is the type of dentist that should be seen when a root canal procedure is needed. Endodontists are dentists who specifically work in diagnosing, treating and …
Signs You May Need an Emergency Root Canal
An emergency root canal can be a lifesaver when you find yourself dealing with unbearable tooth pain. This is often the result of a severely damaged tooth with a compromised pulp chamber. It can also …