If you have suffered a cracked tooth, then you know how scary it can be. A cracked tooth typically occurs at the most unexpected time and can cause severe pain, sensitivity and gum swelling, along with other common symptoms. The good news is that an experienced dentist can often promptly repair the concern.
Every dentist has their own set of cracked tooth treatment options, but there are several that most offer. Four common ways that dentists treat cracked teeth are composite bonding, dental veneers, dental crowns and tooth replacement, if the damage cannot be repaired.
Composite bonding is typically one of the more affordable ways to repair a cracked tooth. Treatment involves applying a composite resin material to the cracked tooth and curing it with a special dental light. The process is safe and minimally invasive. The composite resin material is not as durable as a metal alloy dental crown, however, so it is less applicable for cracked molars and premolars. That said, composite bonding is initially a more affordable and faster solution than dental veneers.
Dental veneers are thin porcelain layers that the dentist places onto the tooth to cover a cracked tooth. Like composite bonding, dental veneers are most appropriate for the more visible teeth in the mouth that are used less for chewing purposes. However, dental veneers are durable and can last for more than a decade with proper care. They are often a better option for more severe cracks to front teeth, although the application process takes longer as the veneer is customized in a laboratory for an ideal fit.
A dental crown is often more appropriate for chipped teeth further back in the mouth, such as molars and premolars. This is because they can be made with more durable materials. The different types of dental crowns available to patients include ceramic crowns, metal alloy, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold.
Ceramic typically works best for more visible teeth, whereas a metal alloy, gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is often the best choice for molars and premolars that are cracked. Like veneers, dental crowns are customized to fit perfectly and can last for more than a decade with proper care.
In most cases, dentists are able to repair a cracked tooth and save most of it from long-term damage. However, if the tooth is knocked out or if the crack severely weakens the tooth to the point that a dental crown is not enough to support it, then tooth replacement may be necessary. Dentists most commonly recommend either a fixed dental bridge, dental implant or partial denture to replace a single missing tooth caused by a severe crack.
Here at our dental practice, we enjoy helping patients with a cracked tooth restore the size, shape and function of their tooth. We offer a range of treatment options and can help you decide on the most appropriate form of cracked tooth treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com or call Lasting Impressions Dental Group at (832) 784-8212 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cracked Tooth in Houston, TX.
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