Some people can go their whole lives without searching on Google “can you fix a cracked or broken tooth”, for those who are not so fortunate, you’ve come to the right place
What causes a tooth to crack or break?
A cracked or broken tooth can happen to the best of us, no matter how vigilant you may be. Here are some everyday scenarios where you could potentially damage your teeth:
- Accidentally biting a fork or spoon
- Chewing on hard foods such as ice, lollies, or nuts
- Unsuspecting blow to the mouth or fall onto a hard surface
- Heavy contact sports
- Uneven chewing pressure
- Temperature extremes such as drinking hot soup followed by ice water
- Loss of tooth structure from wear, fillings or other dental treatments
What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
When you crack or break a tooth, it could be as painful and noticeable in the moment or you may not even realise it until you visit the dentist. However, if you start experiencing the following symptoms, we recommend booking in an appointment with your dentist.
- Experiencing pain around the tooth or area around the tooth when chewing, particularly on the release of bite
- Experience tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and drink
- Swollen gums around the tooth
- Visible crack or chip
Depending on the extent of the crack and how badly damaged the tooth is you may experience different symptoms. Here are the different types of cracked teeth:
Types of cracked teeth
Depending on the extent of the crack and how badly damaged the tooth is you may experience different symptoms. Here are the different types of cracked teeth:
- Microfracture: Small crack lines on the enamel typically have no symptoms other than visible signs you may notice on your teeth and won’t cause any further damage to your teeth. However, we still recommend consulting your dentist first.
- Fractured cusp: This type of crack usually occurs around a dental filling and can be a complete or incomplete fracture of the crown
- Cracked tooth. The extent of damage will depend on how large the crack is and whether it is initiated from the crown and extends to the gum. It’s best to contact your dentist immediately to avoid further damage — even losing the tooth.
- Split tooth. This is when there is a complete fracture from the crown to the gum line and results in the tooth splitting into two separate segments. In most cases, the tooth will be removed entirely.
- Vertical root fracture. The most serious type of cracks. It begins below the gumline and travels upwards to the crown. Sometimes the symptoms may not be obvious unless there is an infection, but in most cases, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Pay attention to the signs
Although some cracks do not require any treatment, it’s always good practice to visit your dentist for a check-up to ensure everything’s okay. If a broken tooth is left untreated it can lead to more serious oral health issues such as a bacterial infection where it can spread to your bone and gums.
Signs of a dental infection
- Fever
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gums
- Extreme sensitivity to heat and cold
- Tender glands in the neck
- Bad breath
How to prevent a cracked tooth
Attempting to prevent a cracked tooth entirely may seem impossible, however, there are a few simple steps you can take to help reduce the chances:
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, nuts and hard lollies
- Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, beer bottles, or cracking nuts
- Use a mouthguard during heavy contact sports
- If you notice you are grinding or clenching your teeth, contact your dentist immediately about a dental splint or night guard
- Go for regular check-ups, it is recommended to visit your dentist at least every 6 months – a cracked tooth caught early increases your treatment options.
- Good oral hygiene and health will keep your teeth strong. This means staying away from sugary drinks and foods, don’t brush too hard and floss your teeth once a day.
Why fix a cracked tooth?
Depending on the severity of the crack, if left untreated, a broken or cracked tooth can become infected and result in more extensive dental treatments including root canal therapy or tooth extraction. At Alpha Dental, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately to give yourself the best possible chance of saving your tooth and keeping your natural smile.
How to fix a cracked tooth?
Based on the severity of the crack or damage sustained, there are multiple dental procedures available to fix a cracked tooth.
Bonding
Composite bonding is a tooth-coloured resin that is used to fill in cracks or gaps and is one of the easiest and most affordable solutions to fixing cracked teeth.
Veneers
Dental veneers provide a natural-looking solution when repairing tooth cracks and chips and are usually used for the front and most visible teeth. A thin layer is applied over the front of the tooth and can be made from tooth-coloured composite resin or porcelain.
Dental crowns
Also known as ‘caps’, provide a full-coverage solution for restoring cracked or broken teeth. Crowns can be made to mimic exact colouration and shape of other teeth so that it blends naturally with your smile.
Root canal therapy
Root canal treatment depends on the severity of the crack and whether or not there is an infection. Root canal therapy involves cleaning out the infected pulp and then resealing the canal and is used as a last resort to save the tooth.
Dental implants
Dental implants can be a good option when you deal if you have no other choice than getting your cracked tooth extracted.
The dental implant procedure is one of the best permanent tooth replacement options available in Perth. If a cracked tooth is beyond saving, tooth extraction is required to eliminate any discomfort and to avoid future health issues. Once the tooth has been extracted, a dental implant is inserted along with a crown on top to help achieve a natural smile and maintain functionality.
Cracked tooth repair cost
The cost of your cracked tooth treatment will solely depend on the severity of the crack and which dental procedure is required to repair the crack.
At Alpha Dental we know that oral health can be a teething nuisance. That’s why we have made it our mission to provide a long-term and sustainable solution for your oral health. We take the time to listen to your individual needs before we create a plan, ensuring all your requirements and concerns are addressed. We fill in the gaps so that you can smile with confidence.