Is An Implant The Only Solution For Cracked & Split Teeth?
Every year, a large number of people are involved in incidents that result in the splitting of their teeth. Other than the split, the tooth or teeth are often healthy. Many individuals believe that the only choice is to replace the teeth or tooth with a bone transplant and a small dental implant. Other times, minor fractures in the teeth appear, and individuals are concerned that they will worsen. So, how can a broken or fractured tooth be repaired?
What Are The Signs Of A Cracked Tooth?
Small lines or fissures on the surface of our teeth might appear as we become older. Although these may appear to be alarming, they are often only what we refer to as "craze lines." These craze lines are really cracks in the tooth enamel that occur over time with natural wear and tear and are normally limited to the tooth's superficial outer layer. Craze lines aren't dangerous if they don't reach the dentin, the tooth's inner surface. So don't be alarmed if you discover tiny vertical lines in your teeth when you gaze in the mirror. If you don't have any symptoms or aren't in discomfort, your tooth is probably not in need of treatment. When biting and chewing food, a broken tooth might cause sensitivity or pain. If the tooth piece is loose, it will hurt all the time in more severe situations, especially near the gums. Cracked teeth come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and a dentist will recommend treatment choices based on how severe the damage is. Treatment might range from a simple crown to removing the tooth entirely in more severe cases. It's also worth noting the distinction between a cracked and a chipped tooth. Dentists and dental hygienists can notice a chip in a tooth by examining the teeth with a dental tool called a "explorer." A chip can also be detected by using your tongue to feel a rough surface on the tooth. If the explorer is unable to locate a chip, the damage is minimal and will not require treatment. The fissures are often so little that they are not visible, but they can be treated with a crown as long as the tooth discomfort subsides soon after the release. If, on the other hand, the tooth pain persists as a dull ache, the nerve is dying, and root canal therapy is required.
As a tooth's cusp fractures and flexes when you bite down, it can cause a lot of pain. Cracked tooth syndrome is the term for this. When the cusp is bitten at the right angle, the acute pain may only occur on rare occasions. By seeping into the fissure, cold, hot, or sweet foods can also trigger the intense discomfort. A crown is placed over and around the tooth to hold it together in cracked tooth syndrome. If the cusp is not addressed, it may fracture, necessitating root canal therapy or perhaps extraction. A cracked tooth is incapable of self-healing. A fracture may appear small and inconspicuous at first, but if left untreated, it can spread across the tooth or penetrate further into the tooth. As a result, the sooner the crack is addressed, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
Crack Types
- A craze is a line on the tooth enamel caused by a surface break. A frenzy does not generally require treatment, despite its unattractive appearance. A veneer or bonding might be used to treat the tooth with crazed enamel if it is for cosmetic reasons.
- A fracture is a crack in a tooth's cusp that causes a portion of the tooth to weaken and possibly break off. Crowns can typically be used to repair a cracked cusp. A root canal or extraction will be required if the fracture extends into the nerve or jawbone.
- A split is a vertical fissure in the tooth that can separate into fragments. The tooth may be preserved or removed, depending on its position and degree of the split.
- A root fracture is a crack in the tooth's root that slowly spreads upward. This type of crack may go undetected until infection develops in the surrounding gums and bone. The tooth is routinely extracted in this case.
A Cracked Tooth's Signs & Symptoms
- Biting hurts
- Food and beverage sensitivities to hot and cold
- When a tooth is exposed to air, it might cause discomfort.
- For no apparent reason, you have a toothache.
- There may be no symptoms at all, just visible evidence of a crack. Even with inspections and x-rays, a break can often be difficult to detect. Additionally, the discomfort or sensitivity may come and go, which is frequently a sign of broken tooth syndrome.
Helping A Tooth That Has Been Vertically Split
Although a tooth with a vertical fracture can be saved, few dentists are aware of how to do so or even attempt it. It's unlikely that you'll be able to locate a dentist who will try to save it. Dentists who are attempting to salvage a tooth that has recently developed a vertical crack:
- Perfectly fit the tooth's two parts together.
- The tooth must be stabilized and bonded.
- Using a crown, connect the two pieces.
- Keep an eye on the tooth in the long run and make sure it's in good working order.
You can receive a second opinion from an endodontist even if your dentist doesn't think saving your tooth is a viable option (root canal specialist). Your tooth may be saved with the help of an endodontist. Even yet, many endodontists will refuse to salvage a tooth that has a vertical split below the gumline.
A Vertically Split Tooth Needing A Dental Implant
Saving your vertically split tooth with a dental implant is a safe and predictable option. The incisor teeth in the lower jaw are tiny. If you need a tooth extracted, your dentist may be able to fit a small-diameter or mini-implant in the gap. Accepting your dentist's recommendation for a dental implant if your tooth is vertically divided is an option. You can also consult a specialist for a second opinion (endodontist).
How to Prevent Cracked Teeth
- Hard things should not be chewed (ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, pens, pipes, etc.).
- When opening bottles or tearing bags, do not use your teeth for grasping or tearing.
- Keep your teeth from clenching or grinding.
- To prevent clenching and grinding, use a biting splint or sleep guard.
- When playing sports, use a mouth guard to keep your mouth safe.
What is the Difference Between a Chipped and a Cracked Tooth?
Tooth With A Crack
The teeth in the back of your mouth, where the majority of chewing occurs, are the most likely to be damaged. "Cracked Tooth Syndrome" is a diagnosis that encompasses all degrees of cracking. A cracked tooth, as opposed to a chipped tooth, usually necessitates more intrusive treatment. If the break goes beyond the tooth's surface, a root canal may be recommended, followed by the placement of a crown to cover the entire tooth.
The most typical method for treating a broken tooth is as follows:
To repair and cure the damage, the tooth will need a dental crown.
If the crack has progressed a bit further into the tooth, a dentist would most likely repair it with a root canal and a crown to restore aesthetics and functioning.
Most severe: If the crack has penetrated the tooth deeply, a dentist will almost certainly need to pull the tooth. This is the most serious case, and many dentists would do everything they can to maintain your natural teeth and heal the damage if at all feasible. A dental implant can be used to replace your original tooth if an extraction is the best therapeutic option.
Tooth Chipped
The front teeth are more susceptible to chipping. When a tooth is chipped, the majority of individuals are concerned about its appearance and function. A chipped tooth can usually be fixed in a single day's time. A dentist will clean the area before placing a tooth-colored filling to restore the tooth's appearance and function. The tooth-colored filling material blends in with the surrounding teeth. When you smile, no one will be able to tell you've had work done because the material matches your teeth almost precisely. It all relies on the extent of the damage and the position of the chip when it comes to feeding and restoring strength. While your restoration will be sturdy and functional, manufactured materials will never be as strong as natural teeth.
Conclusion
If you believe you have a cracked or chipped tooth, your dentist will work with you to develop the best treatment plan to reduce discomfort and restore the function and appearance of your teeth! A dental emergency is a cracked, fractured, or chipped tooth. Contacting a dentist as soon as possible is essential. When a patient discovers a damaged tooth, they should contact their dentist right away. This will assist them in determining the best dental treatment option for them. It's never a terrible idea to ask a dentist about your fractured tooth. You can help keep your teeth healthy by following these prevention techniques and visiting the dentist on a regular basis to detect any new cracks. Fairywill products are made to assist maintain the health of both aesthetic restorations and natural teeth.