A cracked tooth can cause intense pain and may be considered a dental emergency. If you experience a severe toothache after receiving a blow to the face or grinding your teeth, contact an emergency dentist to get treatment. Your dentist can answer any questions, including, can you fix a cracked tooth, and offer you several treatment options depending on the location and severity of the crack.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A tooth consists of three layers. The outer enamel layer is comprised of hydroxyapatite, crystalline structured calcium phosphate. This material is harder than bone and protects the middle layer of dentin, which is weaker than enamel but still stronger than bone. Dentin makes up the bulk of the tooth and protects the central pulp, which contains soft connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
When the enamel cracks, it exposes the dentin. The tubular structure of dentin can allow heat, cold, and sugar to affect the nerves in the pulp, causing pain.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Several types of incidents lead to the majority of cracked teeth, including trauma, deep decay, and lifestyle habits.
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Trauma
Receiving a blow to the face can crack a tooth. This dental emergency can sometimes damage multiple teeth and the jaw. Most trauma to the face results from auto accidents, assault, or sporting injuries.
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Bruxism
Bruxism is clenching or grinding teeth. Most people experience bruxism while sleeping, so it can be challenging to diagnose and detect. These behaviours result in significant force applied to the molars, which can cause them to crack.
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Chewing on Hard Objects
Habits that include chewing ice, pens, or other hard objects can crack your teeth. This typically occurs in teeth that are already severely decayed or have multiple restorations, adversely impacting the tooth’s structural integrity and leaving it vulnerable to cracks.
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth?
An emergency dentist or your regular dental provider might be able to repair your cracked tooth, depending on the severity and location of the crack.
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Dental Bonding
Your dentist may prescribe dental bonding for a minor cracked tooth that hasn’t exposed the dentin. Your dentist removes a layer of enamel and replaces it with composite bonding material. This material seals the crack, prevents more damage, and restores the aesthetic look of the tooth. One study suggests bonding can reduce the tooth’s long-term resistance to fractures.
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Fillings
If your cracked tooth extends to the dentin, a dental filling can repair the crack and provide support for your remaining tooth. Your dentist uses a drill to shape the area and fills it with a tooth-coloured composite resin that matches your tooth for a seamless smile.
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Dental Crown
Deep cracks down to the gum line are a dental emergency and can cause severe pain. To restore strength to the tooth’s structure, you may need a dental crown.
After shaping your tooth to accommodate the crown, your dentist takes a mould of your mouth using a dental putty. The mould is sent to an off-site lab where technicians create the dental crown. Once it is ready, your dentist attaches the restoration with bonding cement.
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Root Canal
If the crack extends into the pulp, it is a dental emergency, and your emergency dentist might need to perform root canal therapy. This process begins with the dentist enlarging the crack or hole to extract the pulp and clean the root canals. The dentist fills the canals with gutta-percha and places a crown on the remaining tooth.
Maroondah Dental Care Treats Cracked Teeth
If you have intense tooth pain, severe swelling, and fever due to dental trauma, you may wonder, can you fix a cracked tooth? Call an emergency dentist at Maroondah Dental Care on 03 9007 2532 for urgent care. We can assess your tooth and determine the best treatment option to restore your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Tooth Enamel: Nature’s Crowning Achievement
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2010/08/101193/tooth-enamel-natures-crowning-achievement
Facial Trauma
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/facial-trauma