Denise Antalis, DDS
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When a tooth becomes significantly damaged, our team considers it a dental emergency. Chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and fractured teeth should prompt our patients to call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. When it comes to restoring or saving the damaged tooth, response time is vital. Fractured teeth cannot be treated at home; steps can be taken to minimize the pain until the dental appointment, but there are no over-the-counter or home remedies for chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth.
Causes of Fractured Teeth
Patients who grind their teeth are at a high risk to have fractured teeth. When a filling is excessively large and threatens tooth integrity, the tooth with the filling may end up cracked. Chewing or biting hard materials and foods can damage teeth to the point of fracturing. External blows to the mouth or jaw can result in a fractured tooth, especially when the patient is not wearing a sports mouthguard. And patients over 50 years old are more likely to develop natural cracks, chips, and fractures in their teeth.
Dental Options to Treat a Fractured Tooth
Bonding is the process where our team fills the crack in the tooth with resin to repair the tooth’s appearance and functionality. Dental crowns are custom-made caps that are placed over the damaged tooth. Root canals remove damaged or infected pulp from the damaged tooth and are often used in conjunction with crowns. Tooth extraction is considered a last resort, but it is an effective way to deal with a tooth that cannot be saved. Dental implants and dentures are options for patients who have lost a significant number of natural teeth.
If you suspect that you have one or more fractured teeth, call our office immediately. We will set you up with an emergency dental appointment and attempt to save your natural teeth.
