The Archer Dental Blog

Cracked Teeth

May 2, 2024

Cracked Tooth; How We Treat This Dental Problem in our Clinic

Cracked tooth; image of a patient seeing the excellent restoration of her smile after having a broken tooth.

Having a cracked tooth can be an unpleasant and even painful experience. While there are several reasons why it can occur, such as physical injury, advanced tooth decay, or biting on something hard, the truth is that it always requires immediate dental attention.

A cracked tooth can not only affect the appearance of your smile, but can also cause a range of dental health issues. If you ignore the problem, the tooth can worsen and cause more pain and discomfort, eventually leading to infection or loss of the cracked tooth.

At our dental clinic, Archer Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, which is why we offer high-quality dental care services to help restore the health of your teeth and gums. If you experience a cracked tooth, do not hesitate to contact us right away so that we can provide you with the necessary dental care. Our highly trained dentists are equipped with the technology and expertise needed to diagnose and treat complex dental difficulties, including tooth fractures.

On this page, we will provide you with detailed information about the topic of a cracked tooth, its causes, and the available treatments.

Common Causes of a Cracked Tooth

There are many different causes for a cracked tooth, ranging from a fall to biting on something hard, dental conditions, and habits such as teeth grinding.

Here are some of the most common causes of a cracked tooth:

  • Trauma: Contact sports or car accidents can result in dental fractures. Additionally, any fall or impact to the mouth can damage the teeth.
  • Bruxism: This term refers to the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, especially during sleep. This can gradually wear down the teeth, increasing the risk of a cracked tooth.
  • Tooth Decay: If tooth decay is left untreated, it can progress and weaken the structure of the tooth. This makes the tooth more susceptible to fracturing.
  • Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause a loss of support in the teeth and make them loosen. If a tooth is loose, it is more likely to crack.
  • Dietary Habits: Chewing on hard foods can also increase the risk of a cracked tooth.

How to prevent a Cracked Tooth

Cracked tooth; Image of a patient being attended by a dentist to check that the treatment of her tooth is going in the best way.

We understand that once there is a cracked tooth, it is necessary to address the issue effectively. However, we also recognize that the best strategy is to avoid a cracked tooth by taking precautions in our daily lives.

One approach to preventing a cracked tooth is to promote healthy dental care and everyday habits. This includes teaching our patients about the importance of regular brushing and flossing.

Likewise, for those patients  that engage in contact sports, we may recommend the use of mouth guards or night guards. These devices can help absorb pressure and prevent a cracked tooth during potentially harmful situations.

In cases where a patient has previously experienced a cracked tooth, it is essential to treat these conditions properly. Our dental professionals may recommend restorative treatment options such as veneers or crowns to strengthen and protect damaged teeth.

At Archer Dental, we try to prevent a cracked tooth by providing our patients with the necessary tools and knowledge to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful throughout their lives.

It is important to note that while these are some common causes of a cracked tooth, there may be other factors that can influence dental fracture, such as genetics or the quality of dental structure.

It is crucial that if you have a cracked tooth, you seek immediate evaluation from a dental specialist to assess the severity of the fracture and determine the appropriate treatment, with Archer Dental being your best choice.

Treatments at Archer Dental

Cracked tooth; Detail shot presentation of a patient smiling after undergoing treatment after a cracked tooth.

A cracked tooth happens to be one of the most common dental emergencies, as many people have experienced the sensation of biting down on something hard and feeling a tooth break in their mouth. While it can be a traumatic event, there are several available treatments that can restore the health and appearance of a broken tooth.

When it comes to a cracked tooth, treatments can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the tooth in the mouth. It is important to seek immediate dental attention at Archer Dental to prevent complications and avoid worsening the injury.

In mild cases, where the tooth has not been severely damaged, treatment may involve a simple dental repair or restoration. This may involve the use of a dental composite or dental amalgam to restore the shape and function of the cracked tooth. In some cases, a dental crown may be required to protect and strengthen the broken tooth.

For more severe injuries, where the tooth has been significantly damaged, a dental extraction may be necessary. This is done to prevent infection and avoid worsening the injury. After the extraction, a dental implant or dental bridge may be required to replace the cracked tooth.

In some cases, when the nerve of the tooth has been exposed, a root canal treatment or endodontic treatment may be necessary. This involves the removal of damaged dental tissue and the application of a dental sealant to prevent infection and protect the tooth.

In situations where the tooth has been completely displaced or knocked out of place, immediate emergency dental care should be sought. In some cases, the tooth can be re-implanted if emergency dental care is sought within the first hour after the injury.

Generally, the treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the severity of the injury and the location of the tooth in the mouth. It is important to seek immediate dental attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

We understand that a cracked tooth can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for anyone. However, there are a variety of options to address the issue and restore the health and appearance of the smile.

It is crucial to seek immediate dental attention if you experience a cracked tooth to avoid more serious problems in the future.

At our dental clinic, Archer Dental, we offer a range of treatment options for patients with a cracked tooth, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions if necessary. Our team of highly trained and experienced dentists is committed to providing each patient with personalized, high-quality treatment to meet their unique needs.

If you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait to seek dental care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help restore your smile and dental health.

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