Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Finding a tooth crack can be difficult. We frequently need to act as true “dental detectives.” For the most part, tooth fractures
are not noticeable to the human eye. When a crack lies below the gum line, it can be more challenging to spot.
Our dentists will perform a complete examination to look for any apparent cracks, wear on the teeth, the bite pattern, dental structure,
big fillings, and anomalies in the gums.
The surface of the teeth will be felt for fissures using a dental tool called an explorer. Although digital xrays can be taken, it’s likely that a tooth crack won’t be visible on one.
You will be asked to bite down on a plastic test stick that looks like a toothbrush without bristles to help zero in on a crack. One cusp or part of a tooth will be tested at a time as you bite down. If you feel pain on biting or on the release of the biting pressure, that part of the tooth likely has a crack affecting it. Early diagnosis and treatment of tooth cracks is important so that the problem doesn’t get worse. Like cracks in a windshield, cracks in teeth often start small and progress slowly. The sooner a crack is detected and treated, the better the chance of saving a tooth. It’s important to share any signs or symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome that you may be experiencing with your dental team.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Treatment depends on the location, direction and extent of the crack. Cracks vary from superficial ones in the outer layers of the tooth to deep splits in the root affecting the pulp (the center of the tooth, which contains the tooth’s nerves).
After diagnosis, the best course of treatment will be determined. The best treatment is often determined by the size, location, and severity of the crack. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if the crack is small and not causing any pain. If the crack is larger or causing discomfort, however, there are a few different options available.
No treatment: Tiny hairline cracks in the enamel which doesn’t create pain or are visible may be left as it is.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored resin to fill in the crack. The resin is matched to the color of your existing teeth and then hardened with a special light. This can be used to treat small, superficial cracks.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
One common treatment option is to have a dental crown placed over the cracked tooth. This will help to protect the tooth from further damage and can also help to alleviate any pain or sensitivity.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
In some cases, a root canal may be necessary if the crack has reached the pulp of the tooth. This will help to save the tooth and prevent any further damage.
If a crack affects the pulp, you probably will need root canal treatment. About 20% of teeth with cracked tooth syndrome require root canals. After a root canal, the tooth will no longer be sensitive to temperature, but it still will respond to pressure. This means that if you felt pain when you bit down before the root canal, you probably will not feel it as intensely as before, but you may feel it from time to time.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
In some severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. Some cracks extend into the root of the tooth under the bone and there’s no way to fix the tooth. If your dentist decides the tooth needs to be extracted, you can have it replaced with an implant or a dental bridge.
No matter what treatment is recommended, it is important to get it done as soon as possible to avoid further pain or damage to your tooth. Untreated cracks can continue to grow and can eventually cause pieces of the tooth to break off. Teeth with untreated fractures are also more susceptible to infection and gum abscesses.
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked Tooth, Cracked Tooth Syndrome treatment Dentist Melbourne
Cracked tooth prognosis is always questionable. There is always the possibility that the crack will progress, even if cuspal coverage is performed. Limiting the amount of tooth flexure is the goal with bite adjustment and cuspal protection.
But the micro-movement of tooth function can contribute to crack propagation over the long term. Not all cracked teeth are destined to fail. But depending on patient circumstances, occlusal stability and patient cooperation, a cracked tooth may eventually fail. Removing damaging habits (for example, by providing a night guard and controlling bruxism), covering cusps on the variability of cracked tooth treatment are recommended preventive strategies.