Teeth are tough and durable. However, it is still possible for them to be cracked or fractured from a fall, an impact, a blow to the face, or other types of stress or trauma. If your teeth have issues such as previous injury, deep untreated tooth decay, or structurally compromised metal fillings, your risk to develop cracked teeth is high.
Whatever the cause of your tooth cracks may be, you will experience a variety of symptoms because of it. These can range from inconsistent pain when chewing food or sensitivity when exposed to certain temperatures. In the majority of cases, the pain may come and go. Do not be tempted to ignore your tooth just because the pain is not stable. It is best if you avail of our cracked tooth repair treatments at Ambler Dental Care. To understand why read on below.
Having a cracked tooth can either be a small problem or a big one depending on what type it is. To help you learn more about cracked teeth, here are its different types:
Craze lines
Craze lines are minor cracks that only involve the outer enamel surface of the tooth, and don’t cause any symptoms. This type of crack is common in adults, rarely serious, and generally, don’t need treatment (unless they increase in size). For patients who are concerned with their aesthetics, these cracks are sometimes polished away or sealed with dental materials to improve their appearance.
Fractured cusps
Fractured cusps are commonly seen in molars. This condition occurs when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface weakens and begins to crack. A broken cusp may cause minor discomfort, which can be immediately relieved by having a dentist remove the cracked cusp. A restoration process will soon follow to restore the tooth to its full function and appearance. In many cases, a root canal treatment is no longer necessary.
Root fractures
Root fractures start at the tooth’s roots and extend toward the chewing surfaces. These cracks are usually painful and are often associated with infection in the surrounding tissues of the tooth. A tooth that is fractured below the jawbone usually cannot be saved. Thankfully, there are plenty of tooth-replacement methods to restore your smile.
Small cracks at the chewing surface
Although small cracks cause discomfort, they usually don’t go below the gum line and don’t involve the pulp. These types of cracks are among the less serious ones. Treatment for them may either be a filling, dental bonding, or a crown, depending on the extent of the damage. A root canal treatment is usually not required for minor cracks like these.
Don’t let a compromised tooth affect the quality of your smile by availing of Cracked Tooth Repair in Ambler, PA! Schedule an appointment with us at Ambler Dental Care, and we will ensure that you get the best treatment for your needs. Find us at 602 South Bethlehem Pike, Suite C-2 Ambler, PA 19002.