Are you noticing pain when you chew? Are you experiencing extreme discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages? Does simply breathing through your mouth cause you to wince in pain? A cracked tooth might be to blame.
A cracked tooth can make daily activities feel unbearable. If a cracked tooth is suspected, then it’s best to repair the damage as soon as possible. Our Austin laser dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, provides treatments and restorative options to patients who need to repair damaged or cracked teeth.
Assessing Damage
Before repairing a cracked tooth, our team will need to determine how much damage the tooth has sustained. Here are some ways that damaged teeth are categorized:
- Craze lines. Normal wear and tear can cause tiny, vertical cracks in the tooth’s enamel. Craze lines are not painful and are no cause for concern.
- Cusp fracture. A cusp fracture happens when a small portion of the tooth’s surface breaks off. The fracture is usually only on the chewing surface of the tooth, and frequently occurs around existing fillings.
- Cracked tooth. Unlike a fracture, a crack extends from the chewing surface of a tooth toward the root of the tooth. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the crack.
- Split tooth. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth remains untreated for a prolonged period of time. Eventually, the cracked tooth will split into pieces.
- Root fracture. Root fractures occur below the gumline and are very painful. Root fractures can typically be seen extending from the tooth root toward the chewing surface.
Treatments for Cracked Teeth
Once Dr. Ragsdale has assessed the damage, she will recommend suitable options to repair the cracked tooth. Treatment options may include:
- Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-fitted shells that bond directly to the tooth. Veneers are a great option to cover craze lines or minimally damaged teeth.
- Dental bonding. Dr. Ragsdale uses a resin composite to prevent fractures or cracks from propagating further. The resin composite is extremely durable and can be color-matched to the tooth’s enamel.
- Porcelain crowns. Oftentimes, the best way to protect a cracked tooth from further damage is to place a crown on it. At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer porcelain crowns, which are biocompatible and last for at least 10 years with proper care.
- Root canal. Unfortunately, some cracks extend into the pulp of the tooth,which can cause an infection. If this is the case, then a root canal is required. Dr. Ragsdale performs the root canal using contemporary laser dentistry, which is more accurate and comfortable compared to traditional methods.
- Extraction. If the damage is severe enough, then a cracked tooth may need to be extracted. In the case of extraction, Austin Laser Dental has many tooth restoration options, such as bridges and implants.
Flexible In-House Dental Plans
Are you worried that a cracked tooth will crack your budget? Don’t be! Dr. Ragsdale believes that oral healthcare should be affordable and accessible for everyone. For this reason, Austin Laser Dentist offers in-house dental plans. We have designed our in-house plans to provide high-quality care that is transparent and convenient. If you are one of the nearly 25% of Americans living without dental insurance, our flexible in-house dental plans are the perfect fit for you.
Learn More
Neglecting a damaged or cracked tooth can result in more serious issues. Don’t jeopardize your oral health–call Austin Laser Dental at (512)-346-4690 or contact us online to start discussing treatment options and in-house dental plans today.
