How Serious Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be a serious problem. If the protective enamel layer is damaged, bacteria can get inside a tooth, causing infections and health problems throughout the body. A cracked tooth can also be painful and more vulnerable to breaking completely, so it’s important to get it treated sooner rather than later.
If you or a family member has cracked a tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. They will examine your mouth and discuss all of your options for repairing your tooth and restoring your smile.
What to do if you crack a tooth
Teeth can crack when injured or when you bite down on something hard. Cracks are more likely to happen if the tooth has already been weakened or worn down by decay or pressure from teeth grinding.
Minor cracks are not usually serious, but it’s still important to arrange an appointment to see a dentist. If the crack is larger or painful, you should contact an emergency dentist and try to see them right away.
Dental treatments to repair a cracked tooth
Your dentist will examine your tooth and discuss suitable treatments to restore its integrity. These may include:
- Tooth bonding: Filling the crack with a tooth-coloured resin, similar to a filling, that hardens to create a tight seal.
- Dental crown: Covering the damaged tooth with a tooth-shaped cap. This helps to strengthen the underlying tooth and protect it from infection and further damage.
Placing a crown traditionally involves several visits, as the custom restoration needs to be manufactured in a dental laboratory. At Mosman 3D Dental, our dentists can provide same day crowns made on site to repair your tooth in a single visit.
If bacteria have already entered your tooth, your dentist may also recommend root canal therapy to remove an infection before sealing and restoring the tooth to good working order.
What if a cracked tooth can’t be fixed?
Sometimes, a crack may be too severe to be repaired with bonding or a crown. In these cases, the only option may be to extract the tooth.
Dentists will only recommend an extraction as a last resort, as missing teeth can cause problems in the long term. They will also recommend replacing the tooth with a natural-looking prosthetic tooth, such as a dental implant, bridge or denture, so you can eat and speak as normal.
How to prevent a cracked tooth
You can’t always avoid dental injuries, but you can lower your risk of needing to see an emergency dentist by:
- Wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports or other activities that involve a risk of injury to the mouth
- Avoiding very hard foods
- Not using your teeth as tools to crack nuts, cut tape and open packaging
- Following a good oral hygiene routine every day
- Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and clean
See a dentist in Mosman today
If you have a dental emergency or you’re due for a check-up, get in touch with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental. Call us on (02) 9969 8610 or make an online booking and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.