5 Treatments for a Cracked Tooth

Throughout life, things will happen to your teeth. The important thing is to address any problem with your teeth immediately to maintain your beautiful smile. Read more to learn about how we can help repair your cracked tooth in our Salinas office:

Dental Crowns

A cost-effective, protective cap that covers the damaged tooth, dental crowns are a common solution to cracked teeth. Crowns can help you keep a damaged tooth and stop the pain you feel when you eat or drink.

Composite Bonding

Bonding is known for its ability to fix decayed and stained teeth, but did you know it can also be used to fix broken and chipped teeth? Composite bonding is so popular because it lasts more than ten years, is painless, and looks incredibly natural in the mouth.

To carry out this treatment, the dentist will roughen the tooth and then coat it with composite resin, which can then be molded into the desired shape. After smoothing the mold and hardening it with an ultraviolet light, the tooth looks natural and ready to go.

Root Canal

If the crack in your tooth extends into the pulp, it may be necessary to perform a root canal. During the treatment, your dentist will remove the nerves from the tooth root and clean out any decayed tooth matter. After completion, the dentist will place a cap for aesthetic purposes and to prevent any damage from spreading to surrounding teeth.

The misconception about root canals is that they are very painful, but when performed by a skilled practitioner, most people experience very little pain. Root canals are another effective long-term solution to cracked teeth.

Dental Implant

If the crack descends below the gumline and the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant may be a good replacement option. After the tooth is extracted, your dentist can place the implant, which will have the same strength and function as a normal tooth. While this is one of the most costly procedures on the list, dental implants are built to last a lifetime and work great with your remaining natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Maybe your cracked tooth needs a facelift, and porcelain veneers are the perfect candidate to give it one. Veneers like this are thin, protective layers secured onto the teeth. With proper care, veneers can last 30 years, so they are a long-term solution to spruce up your smile. Porcelain veneers give the appearance of being natural and attractive, and are an excellent option for hiding slightly cracked teeth.

What kind of treatment is best for me?

Your treatment plan will depend on what kind of crack your tooth has. For example, craze lines are tiny cracks in your enamel that don’t cause pain. Craze lines will require a very different treatment than a completely split tooth, which usually cannot be saved. Always talk with your dentist to determine the best course of action. The sooner you can get your cracked tooth treated, the better.

Next Steps

If you’ve suffered a cracked tooth and want to learn how Dr. Cureton and his team can help restore your smile, you’ve come to the right place! Our staff is always available to answer any questions and schedule an appointment just for you. Contact us today online or via phone at (831) 449-8363 to begin exploring treatment options.