A cracked tooth may be slightly chipped, have tiny fractures, or be broken all the way down to the gumline. Our teeth can crack in many different ways depending on the location and the cause of the break.
Teeth are especially vulnerable to being cracked when we bite into something very hard, such as nuts or hard candy. Sometimes people are trying to be clever and use their teeth as tools, but as they bite down on the metal or solid piece, they get a cracked tooth.
While not all cracks cause the tooth to split fully, a fractured tooth can eventually split into two if the crack is left untreated. A crack can also lead to an infected gum, because the interior of the tooth is exposed.
Lest you think you can just ignore a broken tooth, it can cause pain when biting into a hard food or when drinking hot or cold beverages. A cracked tooth can be repaired by a skilled dentist – let’s talk about the main ways in which fractured teeth are fixed to be as good as new.
How Can a Broken Tooth Be Fixed?
The type of treatment you receive by your dentist will depend on the size, type, and location of the crack. Your cracked teeth may be fixed in one of the following ways:
Bonding
Dental bonding is usually the easiest way to repair teeth imperfections, such as chipped or cracked teeth. During the procedure, the dentist first prepares the surface of your tooth, then molds the bonding to perfection according to the natural shape of the tooth.
The dentist will then seal the bonding into place using an ultraviolet light. Bonding can last for years with proper dental care.
Veneers
This procedure works well for front-facing teeth that are slightly chipped but are otherwise in good condition. The procedure involves the dentist first scraping a bit of the enamel down to make way for the veneers.
A mold is then taken of the tooth or teeth for the veneers to be made in a laboratory. Once they are ready, the patient comes back to the dentist’s office where the dentist applies each veneer onto the surface of the tooth.
Having veneers done usually takes two dental sessions. The dentist first slightly files down the tooth or teeth that are having veneers, and impressions are taken for the lab to make the veneers. In the second visit, the new veneers are placed on your teeth. Dental veneers are considered a long-term solution that can last for decades with proper care.
Crowns
Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to repair a cracked tooth. The dentist will fit the crown over the tooth, and it will be placed like a cap.
A dental crown is made of highly durable medical-grade material that can last for many years. This not only addresses the crack but can also prevent tooth loss.
Cracked Tooth Treatment in Henderson, Nevada
If you have a broken or cracked tooth and are in the Las Vegas area, contact the team at Dedicated Dental right away. We provide emergency dental care for patients with dental emergencies in addition to the full spectrum of dentistry, from family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry to restorative treatments.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at (702) 566-5509 or complete our online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your partner for a lifetime of excellent dental health and a dazzling smile.
