Cracked teeth can cause you a lot of pain. They can also result in tooth loss if left untreated. Cracks are highly common, but early intervention is necessary. You may wonder, can you save a cracked tooth? Below you will find helpful information about cracked teeth and what treatment options are available.
Can You Save a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can happen to anyone. Despite being a common dental issue, the symptoms can be unmanageable. Many people experience pain that is constant. However, the pain can also get severely worse when you chew or consume hot or cold foods or beverages. Pain that comes and goes should not be ignored. Seeking treatment can ensure that your natural tooth is saved and avoid further dental issues caused by your cracked tooth. While your tooth can be saved, this depends on a number of factors. The type of crack, location, the severity of it, and how soon you get treatment all determine whether your natural tooth can be preserved.
Types of Cracks
Whether or not your tooth can be saved depends on the type, location, and severity of the issue. Below are some of the various types of cracks that can impact your teeth.
Craze Lines:
Craze lines are very small cracks. These impact your enamel and often don’t cause pain or other symptoms. A dentist in Yucaipa can determine the right course of action, if any, as these cracks are very common.
Fractured Cusp:
This type of crack is more severe as compared to craze lines. It occurs when a part of your tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. This often occurs around a filling. These are easy to treat as your dentist will likely place a new filling around the damage.
Cracked Tooth:
A crack that extends from the chewing surface of your tooth to (or towards) the root is what most people think of when they think of a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth that doesn’t extend into your root can be treated. However, if the crack extends beyond your gum line, it is highly difficult to save. This is why early treatment is vital if you want to preserve your natural tooth.
Split Tooth:
A split tooth is similar to a cracked tooth. It is the result of the long-term progression of a cracked tooth that extends from your chewing surface and through the root. It’s possible to save part of the tooth but it cannot be saved fully intact.
Vertical Root Fracture:
This type of crack begins at the root of your tooth and extends toward the chewing surface. These can go unnoticed as they first impact your tooth’s root. The ability to save your tooth after a vertical root fracture depends on the location and the severity of the crack.
Prevention Measures
Accidents can happen at any time to anyone. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of your teeth cracking. Consider the following steps to ensure your oral health stays in good shape.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects or foods (pens, hard candy, and ice)
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
- Wear a retainer at night if you struggle with teeth grinding at night
- Use a protective mask or mouthguard when you play contact sports
- Maintain a consistent, daily oral care routine
Emergency Dentist in Yucaipa
Many cracks occur slowly, but in some cases they can be caused by a traumatic injury. If you have an injury that has impacted your teeth, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist in Yucaipa. The team at Shodhan Dentistry of Yucaipa is skilled in restorative dentistry treatments. Contact their office today for an appointment!