Crack tooth repair is a dental procedure used to fix a cracked tooth. There are different types of cracks that can occur in your teeth. The severity and location of the crack in your mouth determine the course of treatment.
The most common type of crack is a surface-level or enamel crack. These cracks are usually not painful and do not require any immediate treatment. If the crack extends below the enamel into the dentin or pulp of the tooth, it can be intensely painful.
Deep cracks may also cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and lead to infection if left untreated. In some cases, a cracked tooth may need to be extracted. Even if the tooth can be saved, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and seal the tooth.
Cracked teeth are sometimes considered a dental emergency and require emergency dentist care to prevent further damage.
Crack Tooth Repair: Dental Bonding and Fillings
Dental bonding and fillings are suitable for an incisal crack on the tooth’s biting surface. They are also suitable for enamel cracks, found on the tooth’s outer surface, and dentin cracks, which occur on the inner layer of the cracked tooth.
The procedure for placing a dental filling or bond is relatively simple:
- Your dentist cleans the crack and chemically roughens the surface to allow for better adhesion.
- The filling or bond is placed into the cracked tooth and hardened with a special light.
- Once the filling or bond has cured, your dentist shapes and polishes it so that it blends in with the rest of the tooth.
Crack Tooth Repair: Dental Crown
Dental crowns are used to restore damaged or misshapen teeth. They are also used to protect tooth surfaces from grinding or chewing. Dental crowns typically last for 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced.
The dental crown procedure involves the following steps:
- Your dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decay or damage.
- An impression is made of the tooth so the crown can be custom-made.
- A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is fabricated off-site.
- When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist for another appointment. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is cemented in place.
Crack Tooth Repair: Root Canal
Two main types of cracks may warrant a root canal: vertical and horizontal. Vertical cracks extend from the chewing surface of the tooth down to the root, while horizontal cracks run along the root. Both vertical and horizontal cracks require emergency dentist care.
Root canals are 95% successful and typically last a lifetime. The procedure is relatively straightforward:
Your dentist cleans out the damaged tissue from inside the tooth. - They then fill the cracked tooth with a special material called gutta-percha.
- They seal the tooth with a dental filling or dental crown to prevent further damage.
Crack Tooth Repair: Tooth Extraction
In a dental emergency, the best option may be to extract the tooth. The extraction process is quick and takes place under local anaesthesia:
- The cracked tooth is loosened with a dental elevator and removed with forceps.
- In some cases, the surrounding gum tissue may also need to be removed to ensure a clean extraction.
- Once the tooth has been removed, it can be replaced with a dental implant. This artificial tooth root is placed into the jawbone and holds a replacement tooth in place.
At Total Care Dental Studio, we use digital implants and computer-guided surgery to ensure accurate placement of the implant. This state-of-the-art technology results in fewer complications and a quicker healing time.
Repair Your Smile at Total Care Dental Studio
At Total Care Dental Studio, we understand the importance of a healthy and beautiful smile. If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact us at (07) 3186 8517. We offer various restorative treatment options for a cracked tooth, including dental bonding, fillings, and crowns to repair your smile and renew your confidence.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
Root canal treatment
Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Cost, Aftercare & Recovery Time
https://askthedentist.com/tooth-extraction/
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