(801) 377-0037
2211 Valley Vista Way South Provo, UT 84606
Broken or Cracked Teeth in South Provo
Diagnosis and Identification
Symptoms- Not all teeth that crack will show symptoms right away, but some of the symptoms would include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold, and discomfort.
Professional evaluation- Our specialist will go through an exam, a series of images, and sometimes even dye to find cracks.
Types of Cracks and Corresponding Treatments
Craze lines- These are tiny cracks that are on the enamel. They can be more noticeable on the front of the teeth but can be anywhere on the tooth. They can be caused by chewing, and regular wear of the tooth. There is no treatment needed for this unless it’s for cosmetic reasons.
Fractured cusp- This is when the tooth surface cracks or separates from the enamel. This can be caused by tooth decay, injury, or chewing. This can be treated by placing a filling or a crown.
Cracked tooth- This is when a crack in the tooth goes from the surface down to the root. A root canal might be needed if the crack goes too deep. The tooth will then be protected with a crown so the crack does not get worse and to prevent infection.
Split tooth- This happens when the cracked tooth is left untreated, and the tooth is no table to be entirely saved. Part of the tooth can be saved with an endodontic procedure and a crown to protect the tooth from getting an infection or breaking further.
Vertical root fracture- these types of cracks start at the root of the tooth and go all the way up to the surface of the tooth. The treatment for this type of crack would entail an endodontic procedure. If this is not successful, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Treatment Options
Dental bonding- This technique is used when there are small cracks. We use a resin that fills the crack to improve the look of the tooth.
Root canal therapy- If the crack in the tooth goes too deep into the tooth, we will recommend a root canal to fix the crack and seal the tooth back to better health.
Crowns- These are used to protect a cracked tooth or a tooth with a root canal.
Extraction- In some cases, it is recommended that the tooth be extracted when no option for saving it exists. After the extraction, we usually recommend another option, like implants or bridges, to fill the space of the missing tooth.
Common Myths
Myth: A cracked tooth always results in an extraction.
Fact: There are many options for treatment other than an extraction. These options would include bonding, crowns, or root canals. We try our best to save the natural tooth as this is the best for jaw function and spacing.
Myth: Treatment for a cracked tooth is always painful.
Fact: Because treatment often allows for the use of local anesthetic, the procedures will be pain-free. It is normal to feel some discomfort after the procedure, but that should be temporary and subside within a few hours.
Myth: Minor cracks don’t require dental attention.
Fact: Every crack, even minor ones should be looked at by a dentist to make sure that there is no further damage to the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all teeth that crack will show symptoms right away, but some of the symptoms would include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold, and discomfort. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to give our office a call to schedule an appointment so the doctor can examine the tooth and see if treatment is needed.
Some of the things that can cause teeth to crack are hard foods, trauma to the tooth, grinding or clenching the teeth, or regular wear and tear.
A cracked tooth can be identified in dental X-rays or images. However, cracks are not always visible; sometimes, the doctor can see them with special lenses or a dye to identify them.
Some options for the treatment of a cracked tooth would be dental bonding, crowns, root canals, or extraction. Of course, the options for treatment would depend on the location of the crack, the severity, and the size. In looking at the crack, the dentist will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment for you.
If left untreated, a hairline crack will get worse with time. This will lead to further damage to the tooth and create more problems in the future. It’s important to schedule an appointment right away if you have a cracked tooth so we can treat it accordingly.
It is important to get treated if you have a cracked tooth, even if it’s not causing pain. If left untreated, it could cause the tooth to get worse, causing more dental issues.
This will depend on the state of the cracked tooth, how deep the crack is, and its location. If the crack is deep enough in the tooth, it may need a root canal.
To prevent teeth from cracking, try not to chew on hard foods, wear mouthguards if you grind your teeth, or play sports. Coming into your regular checkups and follow-ups is also recommended to prevent teeth from cracking.
There is a high success rate for the treatment of cracked teeth, but it does depend on the location, size, or severity of the crack and what treatment is required.
If you have a cracked tooth, give our office a call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. To prevent further dental issues, it’s best to seek treatment right away.
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Free $50 Gift Card*
$50 Gift Card when you complete an appointment with us!
*Redeemable after completed paid treatment. Must be a new patient our organization (all locations). The patient will receive a gift card via email or SMS after completion of their appointment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.
Free Exam & X-ray^
For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!
^For New Patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 18 or older to receive free exam and x-rays. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans. Additional fees may be included in individual cases.
$99 Hygiene Visit^^
For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!
^^For new patients without dental insurance. Includes Exam, X-Ray and Routine Cleaning. A Periodontal Cleaning requires additional fees, and rescheduled for further treatment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.
East Mountain Dental
