How a Dentist May Treat a Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked tooth, you need to seek out a dentist immediately.

It can happen at any time to anyone. You are chewing on a hard piece of candy, and suddenly you feel something besides the candy on your tongue. You cracked a tooth. Don’t panic. If it is only a small piece of the tooth, your dentist can repair it, usually in one office visit.

There are several reasons your tooth may crack. The outside enamel is very strong, but its strength has limits. The best way to avoid the breakdown of your enamel is to take good care of your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and establish a proper oral care routine.

You are less likely to end up with a cracked tooth if you do your part in keeping your enamel strong and following a few simple guidelines.

What to do when I crack my tooth?

After you discover a crack in your tooth, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. If you must wait a few days to be seen, there are some things you can do in the meantime.

If the crack left a jagged edge, try to place wax or sugarless gum over the area. Take over-the-counter medication if you are experiencing any pain and only eat soft foods.

If the crack wasn’t very big, you might not experience any pain, but you don’t want to irritate the area.

How will my dentist fix my cracked tooth?

Your dentist will evaluate the cracked tooth and discuss with you the options for fixing it. They may suggest a filling. A filling is a good idea if the crack isn’t in one of your front teeth. Your dentist will file down the area and fill the tooth as he would any cavity.

• If your cracked tooth is in one of your front teeth, your dentist may suggest bonding a tooth-colored composite and will look more natural.
• Your dentist may suggest a cap or crown if the crack is more than just a small chip. They will file down the area and fill it with a metal, porcelain, or resin composite.
• A metal crown is the strongest, but a white composite will look like a natural tooth and not be easily noticed. A crown usually takes two visits to the dentist.
• There will be some cracks that will require a root canal. Your dentist will make this call if the crack is too far down and is exposing nerves.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain. They fit over the tooth as a fake nail fits over a fingernail. Veneers are recommended when one of your front teeth is chipped or cracked.