Cracked teeth are a common concern, affecting an estimated 80% of individuals over age 40. If you are suffering from one or more cracked teeth, timely care can end your discomfort and, in many cases, save your teeth. At Lakewood Dental Group, we offer several types of cracked teeth treatment. Our dentists in Dallas, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel will assess the location and severity of the crack before recommending appropriate care. With a commitment to conservative dentistry, they will work hard to save your tooth whenever possible.
What are the different types of cracked teeth?
Dental cracks are characterized by the size and location of the damage.
- Craze lines: These small cracks only appear on the outer surface of teeth and are the result of normal wear and tear. They do not cause any symptoms and are generally considered a cosmetic concern.
- Fractured cusp: When only the crown of your tooth is cracked, you will experience little to no discomfort. Nonetheless, it is important to seek treatment to prevent the crack from growing larger.
- Cracked tooth: A tooth is considered fully cracked when the breakage extends down to the dental pulp. In more severe cases, the root is cracked, as well.
- Split tooth: Teeth usually split when a crack goes untreated for a long time. In these situations, teeth are fully separated into segments.
- Vertical root fracture: In some cases, a crack may begin below the gum line, moving upward along the tooth root. Usually, root fractures cause few symptoms, so the crack may go undiagnosed until infection sets in.
When are dental crowns appropriate?
Dental crowns are the preferred treatment for smaller cracks that affect only the cusp of a tooth. Your Lakewood dentist will carefully reshape the outer structure of your tooth, creating room for your restoration. Then he will take impressions, which our partner lab will use in fabricating a custom-designed crown.
Made from advanced naturally-colored materials, our crowns are remarkably lifelike. Most important, they are strong and durable and will fully restore your oral function.
Do I need root canal therapy?
When a crack affects the soft inner pulp, root canal therapy is usually the only way to save your tooth. During endodontic treatment, Dr. Sigurdson or Dr. Patel will clean out any infected or damaged pulp. Then he will restore your tooth with a dental crown.
At Lakewood Dental Group, we proudly perform rotary endodontics. Our innovative electric handpieces make root canal therapy much more accurate, significantly limiting discomfort and the impact on your tooth.
When does a tooth need to be removed?
Though extraction is a last resort, it may be the only option if you have a split tooth, fractured root, or a crack extending to the dental pulp. Your dentist will use very gentle methods and highly effective local anesthetic when removing your tooth. Then he will suggest an appropriate replacement option. Lakewood Dental Group provides a full selection of dental restorations, including state-of-the-art dental implants.
Suffering from cracked teeth? Contact Lakewood Dental Group
Leaving a cracked tooth untreated could lead to significant discomfort and more severe damage. Receive the timely, personalized care you need when you visit our dentists in Dallas. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 214-827-1885.
