Cracked teeth need to be treated quickly to prevent the damage from escalating. There are many ways that teeth can become damaged and it is vital to understand what causes a cracked tooth, as well as the potential treatments for them. The hard layer of enamel serves to protect the pulp within the tooth. When there are issues with the enamel, cracks may appear. These cracks allow germs to penetrate into the pulp, which can lead to infection and tooth decay.
Types of Cracked Teeth
There are multiple ways that teeth may sustain cracks. Cracked teeth are cracks that extend vertically toward the root. If they extend beyond the gum line, they will likely have to be extracted. It is vital to fix the cracked teeth early on to prevent them from traveling to the gum line. Craze lines are essentially superficial. These are miniscule cracks in the enamel that don’t generally require treatment.
A fractured cusp occurs most often around dental fillings, as these may weaken the teeth. A split tooth is cracked into 2 individual parts and extends below the gum line. Part of the tooth will likely have to be extracted, but it may be possible to save some of the tooth.
Avoiding Cracks in your Teeth
Prevention is generally the best approach to take when it comes to cracked teeth. Ensure that you wear a mouth guard whenever you participate in sports. You should also refrain from using your teeth to open things, as well as avoid biting down on hard objects. If you have issues with clenching or grinding your teeth, you should consult your dentist to obtain an appropriate mouth guard.
Treating Cracked Teeth
There are several treatments available for cracked teeth. Unfortunately, teeth are incapable of healing, so steps have to be taken to prevent the damage from escalating. Root canals are commonly used to help fix cracked teeth, as cracks can result in damage to the pulp of the tooth. Crowns can be used to protect the tooth from minor cracks in the structure, while extraction may become necessary for extreme cracks.
For more information or to set up an appointment for your cracked teeth, contact us at David G. Johnson today!