How your family dentist in Flower Mound, TX, can help with cracked teeth
Teeth are strong, but they can still develop cracks. A cracked tooth can happen suddenly from an accident or injury to your face or jaws. A cracked tooth can also happen gradually, as a result of chronic grinding or clenching your teeth. Whatever has caused your tooth to develop a crack, your dentist can help.
Dr. Lauri Barge in Flower Mound, TX, offers comprehensive dental services including cosmetic and family dentistry, Invisalign, preventive care, and emergency dental services. She can help when you crack a tooth.
For small cracks which are not sensitive, the crack can often be repaired with a bonding treatment. Bonding uses composite, a material that can be matched to the color of your teeth. Composite is a liquid, so it is spread over the crack and hardened with ultraviolet light. Your tooth looks and feels undamaged.
For small to medium cracks which are sensitive, your dentist will need to determine if decay is present and remove it. Then, the crack can be repaired using composite and hardening with ultraviolet light.
For medium to large cracks, the best choice to repair them may be a dental crown. A dental crown is a superb protection against future breakage because it covers the entire visible surface of your tooth above the gumline. Dental crowns are created out of porcelain, which looks just like a natural tooth structure. If you have a crack in a back tooth, a porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM crown is a perfect choice because it has a strong metal foundation.
For a severely cracked tooth or a tooth with a cracked root, removing the tooth might be the best option. A dental implant can be placed after the tooth is removed. Dental implants look just like a natural tooth and provide strong, permanent tooth replacement.
If you crack a tooth, don’t worry. Your dentist can provide you with options and help you decide the best treatment to give you back your smile. To learn more about what to do when you crack a tooth and how your dentist can help, call Dr. Lauri Barge in Flower Mound, TX, at (972) 539-3800. Protect your smile by calling now!