Dental health is an integral aspect of our overall well-being, and it’s imperative to promptly address anomalies like a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth can not only cause pain and discomfort but, left untreated, can lead to more complex issues requiring treatment, such as a root canal. While small cracks or craze lines might seem insignificant, they can compromise the tooth structure, leading to sensitivity during chewing or biting. Thankfully, dental care has evolved to offer solutions for such dental dilemmas. One of the primary treatments that dentists recommend for cracked teeth is the placement of a dental crown. This dental crown procedure involves placing a cap, often made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or metal, over the affected tooth to protect and restore its normal wear and function. Dental crowns, whether temporary crowns or long-term fixes, ensure that your smile remains intact and your teeth are shielded from further damage. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the merits of a crown for a cracked tooth or how it compares to alternatives like a dental bridge, you’re in the right place.
Understanding Cracked Teeth
Our teeth, though resilient, aren’t impervious to damage. A cracked tooth can be an outcome of various factors. Common culprits include trauma to the tooth, biting hard substances, or abrupt temperature changes that cause the tooth structure to contract or expand. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, dentists categorise tooth fractures into different types. Craze lines are superficial cracks on the tooth’s surface, not causing pain but possibly affecting aesthetics. A fractured cusp typically happens around a filling, leading to discomfort but not reaching the tooth’s pulp. More severe fractures include a split tooth, which divides the tooth into segments, and a vertical root fracture that extends from the tooth’s root, often going unnoticed until an infection sets in.
Symptoms associated with cracked teeth are varied. Pain is often the first sign, particularly when chewing or biting. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and swelling around the affected tooth might also manifest. These symptoms necessitate immediate dental care to diagnose the issue and determine if treatments, such as a dental crown, are required to protect and repair the tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns stand out as a prominent solution in dental care, especially when a tooth requires restoration or reinforcement. But what exactly is a dental crown? At its core, a dental crown is a cap placed over an existing tooth, effectively encompassing its visible portion right above the gum line. This procedure aims to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function, ensuring it can withstand the normal wear and tear of daily activities like chewing and biting.
The choice of materials for dental crowns is diverse, catering to different needs and preferences. Porcelain crowns, favoured for their natural appearance, often match the colour of natural teeth, making them a popular choice for visible teeth. Composite resin crowns provide a balanced mix of aesthetics and durability. Metal crowns, often made from gold or alloys, are known for their strength and are typically used for molars, where they aren’t prominently visible. Ceramic crowns strike a balance between resilience and aesthetics. Some crowns even combine materials, like porcelain-fused-to-metal, which offers the durability of metal with the look of porcelain.
What’s commendable about dental crowns is their ability to mimic the natural appearance and function of teeth. They restore the aesthetic appeal of one’s smile and offer protection, especially if a tooth is cracked or has small cracks that could lead to further damage. With proper installation by a skilled dentist, it’s often hard to distinguish a crowned tooth from natural teeth, giving individuals the confidence to smile, speak, and eat without discomfort or hesitation.
Benefits of a Crown for a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can introduce a series of challenges in dental health, from causing pain to threatening the integrity of the tooth structure. In such instances, a dental crown emerges as a beacon of hope, offering many benefits.
Protection
A cracked tooth, if left untreated, can worsen, leading to deeper cracks or even a broken crown. Dental crowns act as protective shields, encompassing the existing tooth and preventing further damage. This protection safeguards the tooth’s integrity, ensuring that small cracks don’t evolve into larger issues that require treatment, like root canals or extraction.
Restoration
RestorationWith time and use, our natural teeth can undergo wear and tear. When a tooth is cracked, its functionality might be compromised. A dental crown procedure helps restore this lost function, allowing individuals to bite, chew, and smile confidently. Moreover, dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or composite resin, are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, seamlessly blending in and rejuvenating one’s smile.
Pain Relief
The discomfort and sensitivity associated with a cracked tooth can be debilitating. Every bite or exposure to extreme temperatures can send jolts of pain. Dental crowns alleviate this discomfort by covering the crack and providing a buffer against triggers of pain and sensitivity.
Longevity
One of the standout features of dental crowns is their durability. With proper dental care and regular check-ups with a dentist, crowns can last for many years. They are resilient to normal wear and can withstand the daily demands of chewing and biting without faltering.
Conclusion
Addressing a cracked tooth without delay is crucial for optimal dental health. Dental crowns stand out as a reliable and beneficial solution for such issues. Always consult your dentist for tailored advice and treatment. For comprehensive care and expertise, consider a visit to Total Care Dental Studio. Your smile deserves the best! Call us on (07) 3186 8517 to book your first appointment!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure
