A cracked tooth can not only be painful, but it can be embarrassing as well. If you crack a front tooth, you may find yourself covering your mouth or simply not smiling because you don’t want anyone to see it. Just as you should do when you have a cavity, you need to get to a dentist ASAP when you have a cracked tooth. He or she will present you with several options to repair the tooth and fix that beautiful smile of yours.
Bonding – your first option would be to have the tooth bonded. This is done for less severe cracks. The dentist will prepare a composite resin that is made to mimic the color of your teeth. This type of treatment will be the least expensive option and can sometimes even be taken care of in one or two visits. However, it is also the least durable of the options.
Crown – When you have a significant crack but it does not go to the root, a crown is often the best solution. The dentist will take an impression of the tooth and a porcelain crown will be made to mimic the size and color of the natural tooth. When the crown is ready, you will return to the dentist to have the temp crown removed (this will be put in place until the permanent crown comes in) and have the permanent crown put on. This will last far longer than a bonding treatment, but it will also be more expensive.
Root Canal and Crown – when the crack reaches the root of the tooth, you will more than likely need a root canal. After this procedure is performed, the dentist will use a crown to cover the tooth where the root canal took place.
Implants or Bridges – by far, this is the most expensive option you will be presented with, but it may be the only option when the crack goes below the gum line (as the tooth is probably unsavable). If the tooth has to be completely removed, you can use a bridge or a tooth implant to fill the gap. Because the implant is installed directly into the jawbone, you may have to see a specialist rather than your regular dentist.
Do you have a cracked tooth and need to see a Westerville OH dentist ? Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients and serves Westerville and well as several surrounding communities. For more information about our dental services, please click here.