Making your smile “whole” again: A guide to treating cracked teeth
Cracks happen. Sometimes, an existing crack can grow (like the pebble-sized dent on your windshield that spreads outward to the point where you can barely see!). Untreated teeth grinding can weaken enamel and result in fractures. Or, a blow to the face and other traumatic injuries can leave a tooth vulnerable to further damage. But our experts at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, California, have the tools and knowledge to intervene and preserve your cracked tooth. Prompt treatment can also get you out of any pain or other troubling symptoms in the short term while setting you up for a lifetime of sustained health and smiles. There is no substitute for professional dental care.
Do all cracks need to be treated?
You bring up something important here. Teeth can crack in many different ways. And while most types of cracks should not be ignored, one form of damage is considered cosmetic: craze lines. These vertical hairline cracks are not typically cause for (oral health) concerns. However, they can be bothersome. You may feel embarrassed by how they make your teeth look. In this case, we can discuss options such as cosmetic dental bonding or porcelain veneers to cover up the chips and restore a vibrant, youthful-looking smile.
What are the other types of cracks?
More serious forms of breakage include fractured cusps. The “cusp” is the high portion of your tooth’s crown or the visible white part of the teeth. These tooth “tips” can become broken and may be treated with the application of a new dental crown (as long as no other parts of the tooth are involved). A crack extending from the chewing surface toward the tooth’s roots requires prompt treatment, as it can devolve into a split tooth. The former scenario may be treated with root canal therapy if the crack doesn’t extend below the gumline. The latter scenario is challenging; only a portion of the tooth may be saved with either nonsurgical root canal treatment or an alternative surgical endodontic procedure.
Does a cracked tooth always hurt?
Not always. One of the most serious types of breakage – the vertical root fracture – is notoriously “silent.” The symptoms may often be subtle and easy to ignore if they are present. So, this condition can lurk unnoticed for a long time. These truths about dental cracks underscore the importance of maintaining regular checkups at our Aliso Viejo, CA, office. It’s also important to contact Advanced Dental immediately if your teeth are suddenly super sensitive to temperature changes or experience unexplained issues that never really go away and can be quite jarring. This indicates that there may be pulp involvement and that the centermost tooth tissues have been damaged.
With prompt and ongoing care, you can keep your natural teeth! Call (949) 289-9993 to speak with a team member and request your visit today.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.