A regular visit to the family dentist may reveal that a patient has a chipped or cracked tooth. A patient generally knows if a tooth is fragmented due to its appearance. A tooth can become damaged from improper biting, cavities, poor hygiene, teeth grinding, and trauma. A cracked tooth is often harder to notice because many cracks are invisible to the human eye. Both conditions should be remedied to prevent future problems of the teeth and gums. All patients should consult with a dentist to see what options are available for repairing chipped or cracked teeth.
If a chipped or cracked tooth is left untreated, it may lead to infection of the tooth pulp, gums, or jawbone. Thus, a patient should be aware of the signs of a damaged tooth. One of the first indications is intermittent pain. Pain may appear when biting down or while eating and drinking.
Another sign is sensitivity: A tooth may hurt when consuming something hot or cold. A tooth may be sensitive to sticky, sour, or sweet substances as well. Sometimes it is hard for a patient to identify exactly which tooth is causing the pain or sensitivity. A visit to the family dentist can help identify which tooth is injured.
Depending on the severity of the chip or crack, a dental professional may suggest a variety of treatment options. If the chip or crack is small enough and the patient is not experiencing any pain, the tooth may be left alone. If the patient has pain and sensitivity that affects normal oral health, there are a variety of possible treatments.
A patient should schedule a dental consultation as soon as possible after a tooth has been chipped. If a small piece of a tooth has broken off and the patient saves the piece, it may be possible to reattach it.
If the size of the chip or crack is small, a dental professional may suggest bonding the tooth. This process uses composite material molded to cover the damaged area of the tooth. The material is cured so that it imitates the hard enamel of a tooth and can be shaped and colored to match the other teeth. Bonding of a tooth typically lasts up to 10 years.
The severity of the crack dictates what treatment options are available. If a patient has a crack that extends into the pulp of the tooth, it may be possible to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
If a crack in the tooth spreads into the gum line, it is no longer possible to treat the tooth with any of the options mentioned above. The tooth will probably need to be extracted.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Chipped or Cracked Teeth Repairs in Allendale Charter Twp, MI
If patients have any signs of a chipped or cracked tooth, they should visit their family dentist. Early treatment is important to achieve a desirable outcome.
Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Regular dental checkups are vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You should visit your family dentist at least once every six months. This includes both adults and children alike. Routine dental appointments are essential for good oral health and they offer many important benefits.Tartar removal is an important step in dental appointments that…
A visit to the family dentist is recommended every six months. For patients with proper oral hygiene, the treatment provided during these visits should be primarily preventative. However, even those who take good care of their teeth occasionally need restorative treatments due to accidents or natural wear and tear over time.Most patients in need of…
Choosing the same family dentist for every member in a household has numerous benefits. These practitioners are trained in providing dental care to most age groups and understand the varying oral and dental health needs at all life stages. This differs from general dentistry, in which practitioners generally focus on a particular age group.There are…
Are you considering getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth? This prosthetic can work wonders, but like with all prosthetics, you might be wondering how you are supposed to maintain it so it lasts forever. Continue reading to find out more.Here are a general dentist's tips about caring for dental bridges. Reviewing this…
Dental bridges are an effective option for people missing teeth due to trauma, infection, or decay. They can prevent the teeth from shifting, a common side effect of missing teeth. They also restore normal oral function and appearance. Here are a few types of dental bridges a dentist might consider.A traditional dental bridge is the…