Restoring smiles is a huge part of dentistry; however, the most important facet of dentistry is restoring the health of someone’s smile. A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to infection and serious dental issues if not treated quickly and efficiently. In this article we’ll go over different instances of tooth fractures and what can be done to fix them.

What Causes a Tooth to Crack or Fracture?

Though the enamel on your teeth is considerably strong, it can still be damaged over time or even with one severe incident. Enamel is weakened over a period of time eating acidic and corrosive foods, and can become more susceptible to cracks or fractures. Furthermore, some individuals are at a higher risk of chipping, cracking, or fracturing teeth—for instance, athletes are at a greater risk of having a tooth knocked or chipped even when they take protective measures like wearing a mouth guard.

Types of Cracks and Fissures that Require Dental Work

There are specific types of tooth cracks and fissures classified by dentists that require different treatment methods. Depending on the quality and condition of the tooth, your dentists’ ability to keep the tooth intact may be greatly swayed. These are the most common types of cracks and fissures seen in teeth, requiring dental remedies.

Cracked Tooth

A tooth with a significant crack goes all the way from the top of the tooth to the root system. If not treated right away, the crack can become more invasive and less repairable.

Split Tooth

A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth has not been repaired or treated. As time passes, the crack expands and separates the parts of the teeth on either side of the crack, making it impossible to fix as-is.

Small Fractures

It is normal for most people to have a certain amount of surface-level fractures that look like small lines on the surface of the tooth. When they remain small, these fissures pose no real threat; however, if they aren’t preventively cared for and treated they can turn into deeper cracks over time.

Cusp Fractures

A cusp fracture is when a portion of the surface of the tooth breaks off. Though not usually painful, these fractures are unsightly to most and require specialized dental care to fix.

Root Fractures

Though root fractures aren’t innately concerning, as they usually don’t produce any concerning symptoms right away, they can lead to infections and other complications requiring emergency treatment.

The Various Processes of Fixing Fractured Teeth

Once again, depending on the nature of the issue, a fractured tooth can be fixed through any number of procedures:

Root Canals

Root canals have saved many teeth from decay and infection. When a crack spreads to the pulp or roots of the teeth, it paves the way for infection to enter. Therefore, root canals are often used as an adjunct to the aesthetic procedures that fix cracked teeth, such as applying a crown.

Bonding

Simple bonding can be used to repair more mild tooth fractures or to re-attach a chipped off piece of tooth if possible. Bonding lasts a long time, and can be used in less severe cases.

Crowns

Crowns are used when teeth are cracked in order to prevent pain during chewing, to prevent cavities and infections, and to restore a tooth’s aesthetic quality. The process of applying a crown may involve several procedures.

Veneers

Veneers are a long-lasting option that restores the aesthetic quality of the tooth. Lasting for decades at a time, good quality veneers are a great option for natural-looking teeth seen in someone’s smile.

Implants

In more severely cracked or fractured teeth, implants are often the main method of treatment. When a tooth is beyond repair, it must be extracted and replaced with a healthy implant. Implants tend to look natural and are a great way to restore one’s smile.

How the Dental Group of Simi Valley Can Help You

The dental experts here at the Dental Group of Simi Valley, CA, have attended to countless cases of chipped, broken, and fractured teeth, restoring smiles to their original uniqueness and beauty. Our family-owned business has been operating for over 4 decades, allowing us to be attuned to the needs of our clients and the community at large. Family dentistry is what we’re passionate about, and our clients leave our office feeling our sense of dedication. If you’ve recently encountered an issue with a chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth, please call us to schedule a quick, gentle appointment to remedy the issue right away.