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Cracking a tooth can happen for all kinds of reasons – grinding your teeth at night, biting something too hard, or just plain getting older. It’s one of the most common reasons people end up losing their natural teeth, but if the crack hasn’t gone too deep below the gumline, there’s a good chance the natural tooth can still be saved.
At Emergency Dentist Mission Valley, we’re here to provide fast and effective dental treatments for any cracked or broken tooth so you don’t have to worry about it getting worse.
There are plenty of things that can lead to a cracked tooth, including:
Grinding your teeth, especially while sleeping, puts pressure on the tooth enamel and can eventually cause cracks.
Biting into something hard like nuts or hard candy can cause a small chip or a full crack.
A strong impact, like a fall or car accident, can lead to a cracked or broken tooth.
Eating something cold and then something hot too quickly can sometimes cause the tooth enamel to crack.
Teeth naturally weaken as we get older, especially after age 50, making natural teeth more vulnerable to damage.
You might need to see a cracked tooth dentist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
Not all cracks are the same. These are the most common types we treat:
Tiny cracks in the tooth enamel that usually don’t cause pain.
Cracks near a filling that don’t often reach the pulp or cause much pain.
These cracks can run down to the gumline. If caught early, the natural tooth can be saved with proper dental treatments.
When a crack goes below the gumline and splits the tooth into two parts, sometimes requiring extraction or a dental implant.
A crack that starts below the gumline and works its way up the affected tooth.
The right dental treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack, as well as your symptoms. Here are some of the common ways we restore a cracked or broken tooth:
If you’re experiencing sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling near a specific tooth, it’s time to see a cracked tooth dentist for an exam.
Yes, if the crack is minor and hasn’t reached the pulp, we may be able to use bonding or a crown to fix the cracked tooth without a root canal procedure.
If the natural tooth is too damaged to repair, a dental implant is a long-lasting, reliable replacement. We’ll go over all your options during your visit.
There’s no real difference; both terms refer to the same dental treatment used to save a deeply cracked or infected natural tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root canals.
A small chip won’t heal, but it may not need treatment if it’s painless and doesn’t affect your bite. However, it’s best to get it checked to avoid future complications.
The cost depends on the severity of the crack and the required dental treatments, from simple bonding to a root canal therapy or even a dental implant in extreme cases. However, our initial emergency dentist visit is only $89, which includes a consultation so we can determine the best course of action for your cracked or broken tooth.
Cracked molars are often under a lot of chewing pressure, so treatment needs to be strong and durable. Depending on the crack’s depth and location, we may recommend:
Plastic resin bonding for minor surface cracks
A dental crown to cover and protect the molar
Root canal treatment if the crack reaches the pulp
Tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant if the crack is severe. We’ll assess your molar and help you choose the best option to restore function and prevent further damage.
Mission Valley Dental Arts based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment.
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