Cracked teeth are a common occurrence that we deal with in life. The right amount of pressure while chewing on solids such as popcorn kernels or ice can lead to a crack in your teeth. Bad habits such as teeth grinding or clenching your jaw can also start the process of cracking your teeth. If this happens to you, there are several remedies available.
Teeth with minor cracks can typically be repaired by having filling material placed inside the crack or a dental veneer. Having a filling is an affordable and easy treatment that can be applied to the tooth in one visit to your dentist. A dental veneer costs more, but it also offers more stability to a cracked tooth. A follow-up visit is necessary to apply a dental veneer.
A dental crown is the most used treatment in cases of larger cracks. A dental crown will replace the structure and strength the tooth lost due to the crack. If the pulp of the tooth has been damaged, a root canal will be necessary. The pulp contains the soft material of the tooth, including nerve endings and blood vessels. A root canal is necessary to prevent the pulp from becoming infected.
If the crack is severe, it may require the tooth to be extracted and replaced. The replacement can be done with either a dental bridge or implant.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call us at Pell City Dental in Pell City, Alabama today.
