Why Your Cracked Tooth Needs Treatment

Published on: February 9, 2017

Your teeth are incredibly durable. In fact, they are made of the strongest substance in your entire body. However, your teeth are not invincible. There are many reasons that can cause a tooth to crack or break. You may have damaged your tooth by biting down on a hard candy or hitting the concrete during a fall. It is also possible that your tooth has weakened due to decay, which means it is extra vulnerable to cracks and chips.

In addition to the various causes, cracked teeth can also vary in severity and type. A tooth can suffer a hairline crack that only affects the tooth enamel, or it may have a vertical root fracture in which the crack begins in the tooth root and extends to the chewing surface. Not all tooth cracks produce symptoms; however, many patients report pain and sensitivity when the tooth nerves are impacted. What you need to know is that all types of tooth damage need to be reported to your dentist promptly. Cracked teeth can be repaired in various ways, whether it is with simple dental bonding, a root canal, veneers or restorative crown.

What happens if you neglect or delay treatment for your cracked tooth? A cracked tooth means your protective tooth structure is compromised. This can lead to progressive damage and possible infection. Seeking prompt care for your cracked tooth can help you avoid more costly treatments and may even save your tooth!

To help you avoid cracked teeth, follow these simple rules:

  1. Maintain diligent oral hygiene to keep your teeth strong and free of cavities.
  2. Be aware of the top nine foods that cause tooth damage (According to the American Dental Association), which includes hard candies, ice, citrus, coffee, dried fruit, potato chips, soda, alcohol, and sports drinks.
  3. Wear a mouthguard during sports.
  4. Let your dentist help you with your teeth grinding or teeth clenching habit.
  5. Don’t use your teeth as tools!

Keeping your teeth in tact and healthy is absolutely possible. However, if you do suffer from a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, rest assured that there are restorative and cosmetic dental services that can fix it.

Posted on behalf of:
Farhan Qureshi, DDS
5206 Dawes Ave
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 931-4544

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