How do dentists fix cracked teeth?

Biting into hard food, getting bumped in the face during a football game, or even tripping while rushing to get to an important meeting are just some examples of accidents which can lead to a cracked tooth. What you’re left with is typically a “crack” noise and an instinctual feeling that you need to touch it with your tongue –only to discover a rough edge marking a broken tooth.   Although unfortunate, confusing, and something scary, it’s important to act fast to see your dentist. Some cracks known as craze lines, are simply superficial and don’t require any urgent treatment. However, anything which extends below the gum line can result in complicated procedures which call for a tooth replacement.

 

Do all teeth crack in the same way?

The simple answer is no. In fact, there are four different ways in which a tooth can crack, and each of them will require a specific treatment:

Split tooth

Without pointing fingers, a split tooth is typically the result of your own laziness –meaning that you have not taken the time to treat it when it happened. As time goes by, the tooth eventually splits into two parts, something affecting the entire root structure.

Craze lines

If there was ever a good way to break a tooth, this would be it –craze lines require no treatment and cause no pain.

Cracked cusp

The cusp is known as the biting surface of the tooth –when damaged, the tooth can break, resulting in a sharp pain which will alert you to what same happened.

Cracked tooth

There is no way to sugar-coat reality –this type of crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth all the way down to the root. Although not as severe as a split tooth, a cracked tooth is the result of the inner tissue being damaged.

 

How do dentists fix cracked teeth?

At Adelaide Dental, cracked teeth are fixed multiple ways. The type of treatment our team will choice will depends on the amount of damage the tooth has sustained. Here is a list of possible options:

Cosmetic contouring

This type of procedure is done when the chip is extremely small, and it only involves the rounding and polishing of the rough edges of your tooth.

Dental Filling or Bonding

Considered one of the most budget-friendly and speedy procedures for treating a cracked tooth, bonding uses a plastic resin which fills up any cracks. The procedure won’t be as strong and efficient as others –being suited for teeth which aren’t constantly used for biting.

Crowns

For cracks which are longer or deeper, a crown might be suitable. The advantages of this treatment is the strong material of the composite –metal, ceramic, porcelain, resin, or a combination of them all. Many patients opt for resin due to its amazing similarities to natural teeth.

Veneers

A dental veneer can easily restore a tooth back to its healthy look by using a thin layer of either porcelain or resin. Afterward, our friendly team at Adelaide Dental will secure the veneer with the use of a teal blue light which will cement your results!   A cracked tooth does not have to mean the end of your beautiful and healthy smile, and we can fix it in no time, stress-free!   If you’re suffering from a cracked tooth and need a dentist in Adelaide then why not pop in for a consultation and we can help you decide which option is best suited to your needs. We are conveniently located in Rundle Mall across from the Myer Centre and are always happy to have a chat with you.