Cracked Tooth Repair
Repairing damaged teeth is crucial to protecting your smile. A small crack can grow, even jeopardizing the entire tooth. At Amber Hills Dental, we are here for all your dental needs, especially when you have an urgent issue like a cracked tooth. Never hesitate to call us at the first signs you may have a cracked tooth so we can get you in right away for a cracked tooth repair or other general dentistry treatments.
Usually a cracked tooth will make its presence known fairly quickly. You may even hear the crack when it happens, often when you bite down on something hard or have an impact to your jaw. The tooth can begin experiencing pain or sensitivity to temperature. But that is not always the case. Some cracks form slowly and do not have any immediate symptoms. This is another good reason to come in for regular checkups so we can catch those sneaky cracks before they begin causing bigger problems.
Repairs to Damaged Teeth
When you come in for a cracked tooth or we find one during an exam, Dr. Villamayor will determine the best option for repair. Every cracked tooth is different and the repair is dependent on the extent of the damage. Small cracks can usually be fixed with a simple filling, bonding or inlay. Larger cracks may need more extensive repair and could require a dental crown to protect the damaged tooth. The most important factor is getting it repaired as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of extraction.
Your teeth are an important part of your appearance and your health. Do not let a cracked tooth become a bigger problem than it needs to be. Contact Amber Hills Dental today if you suspect you have a cracked tooth for an urgent dental appointment. We can often fit you in the same day or the next day to examine your tooth and offer repair solutions.
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What happens if a cracked tooth is not repaired?
Once you realize that one or more of your teeth are cracked, you will want to contact our office right away for assistance. Cracks in teeth can allow harmful bacteria to access the inside of the tooth, which can lead to infections. When this happens, a root canal must be performed, and a crown will be placed. In serious cases, the tooth could end up needing to be removed altogether, which is why prompt dental care is preferable over waiting too long.
What can I do before my appointment?
If we determine that your situation does not require immediate assistance, there are some things you can do to protect your smile before your appointment. The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth out with warm water to keep any food particles away from the tooth. Drugstores often sell tooth repair kits that contain paraffin wax, which can be used to temporarily fill in the crack in a tooth. Another alternative is to place sugar-free gum in the crack, which will also protect the tooth.
How can I avoid cracking a tooth?
Teeth cannot heal themselves, so avoiding tooth chips and cracks in the first place is always ideal. You should avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods and never use your teeth to do things like open packages. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth and reduce your bruxism. Athletic mouthguards can be helpful for athletic patients who want to protect themselves from injuries that could cause their teeth to break.