Chipped and cracked teeth should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage or decay and to address any possible underlying dental concerns that may be the cause of your tooth damage in the absence of trauma.
Malocclusion, bite problems, teeth grinding and other dental problems can lead to chipped or cracked teeth. Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi will take the time to evaluate your cosmetic needs and your overall oral health and bite function to ensure that your dentistry will be stable and lasting.
Treatment for Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth can be repaired using a range of treatment options. The first step is to evaluate the extent of damage and look for any signs of decay that should also be addressed. Common treatments include:
1) Tooth bonding: This is the most common option for minor chips and cracks in teeth. Tooth bonding can be used if the tooth is still in healthy condition and the tooth root is not affected. For minor chips, we can sculpt a composite resin material to reconstruct the damaged or missing tooth structure. This is a relatively simple procedure completed in a single visit.
2) Porcelain veneers: Our dentists can use a porcelain veneer for a chipped tooth that has suffered minor to extensive damage. For extensive tooth damage or when several teeth are chipped, custom porcelain veneers can restore and transform your smile with a permanent and lasting result.
3) Dental crowns: Teeth that have undergone extensive dental trauma and damage, especially in molars, can be fixed with dental crowns. A dental crown can cover the entire tooth surface and strengthen it while restoring natural aesthetics and function.
Cracked Teeth: What are the Options?
A cracked tooth or several cracked teeth can indicate an underlying dental problem, often related to the function or stability of the bite. In some cases, patients are unaware that they have a cracked tooth but they are experiencing discomfort or pain when chewing or biting. We may use digital x-rays to evaluate the condition of your tooth in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Tooth cracks can begin as “craze lines”, or minor cracks that are only in the enamel. Left untreated they can progress to a split tooth or a vertical root fracture, with the crack extending below the gum line and impacting the tooth root.
While a craze line may be repaired with tooth bonding, a split tooth or root fracture may need a root canal or an extraction. The key to restoring damage and stabilizing your long-term dental health is to determine and treat the cause of your cracked teeth.
Why are my teeth cracked?
Cracked teeth can be the result of a TMJ disorder, bite disorder, teeth grinding, and bad oral habits such as chewing ice. Teeth can also crack as a result of trauma, an old root canal repair falling apart, or an old filling.
Not all cracked teeth are a direct consequence of your oral health, so it’s best to get a dental exam and evaluation to assess the root cause of your cracked teeth. Visit Advanced dental Health today for a comprehensive dental exam and consultation. Call us at (410) 656-2278 or request an appointment online today.