Chipping or cracking a tooth is a very common problem, and it’s important to see a dentist in Newcastle quickly. While the damage may seem relatively minor, without the proper treatment, it can soon progress into a more serious and costly issue to correct later.
Even a small chip or crack in a tooth can open up when you bite down. If this happens, infection-causing bacteria can easily enter the tooth, leading to problems.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Symptoms that a tooth is damaged can include tooth pain, especially when you bite down. You may find yourself avoiding chewing on the tooth. Other signs include increasing sensitivity to temperature changes in foods and drinks.
Sometimes a chipped or cracked tooth causes no symptoms but will still need treatment. If you have a damaged tooth, it’s always important to get assessed professionally as soon as possible.
There are several ways to mend a chipped or cracked tooth, which are briefly outlined below.
Dental Bonding
A relatively minor chip or crack in a front tooth may be repaired with dental bonding, an inexpensive, non-invasive process that is quick to complete. During treatment, tooth-coloured composite resin is applied directly to the tooth surface, hardened, shaped, and polished.
The result is a natural-looking restoration that is reasonably strong and durable.
Porcelain Veneer
Another option for repairing a damaged front tooth is a porcelain veneer in Bowmanville. Modern porcelains are extremely strong, durable and beautiful, and your veneer is custom-made to fit over the entire front surface of the tooth. It may also cover the biting or incisal edge and wrap around the sides of the tooth.
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than dental bonding but last longer. They are also stain-resistant.
Dental Filling
More substantial damage to a tooth, such as a cracked tooth cusp or signs of tooth decay, may require a dental filling. West Bowmanville Family Dental can use tooth-coloured composite resin to repair small to medium-sized cavities. Larger cavities may require an inlay or onlay made from durable, strong porcelain.
Dental Crown
Sometimes a crack or chip in a tooth can remove a substantial part of its original structure. In this case, a stronger restoration is needed to repair the tooth, such as a dental crown in Clarington.
A crown covers the tooth entirely, providing maximum strength and protection. We can provide beautiful, strong, and long-lasting all-ceramic crowns.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy may be necessary if the dental pulp is affected by a larger chip or crack in a tooth. Every tooth has a dental pulp, a collection of nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels that is necessary while the tooth is growing and developing.
The pulp is located in the centre of the tooth, and if it becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause a severe toothache and, without treatment, even lead to tooth loss. If we determine the dental pulp is affected, we may recommend root canal therapy to save it.
During root canal therapy, the dental pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and disinfected before they are permanently sealed. Once treatment is complete, you will almost certainly need to have a dental crown fitted over the tooth to protect it.
Do You Think You Have a Cracked Tooth?
Contact us so we can arrange for our dentist to professionally assess the tooth. We can provide a custom treatment plan and discuss all suitable options to help restore your tooth and prevent unwanted toothache in Courtice.
