A fractured tooth usually means a trip to the dentist. At Fisher Pointe Dental, we’ve seen most of the reasons for tooth fractures, and we know the best ways to fix them.
Here is some of the basic information about fractures to help you in case you are experiencing tooth pain or have had a recent mouth injury.
What causes a tooth to fracture?
There are as many causes as there are fractures, but here are some of the common ones.
- Chewing hard foods, such as ice and candy
- Tooth grinding and tooth-clenching
- Large fillings
- Trauma, such as a fall
- Brittleness caused by aging
- Sudden changes in temperature, like coffee that is too hot followed by ice water
- Too much pressure on a tooth caused by the place your teeth come together when your jaw closes
Why does a fractured tooth need to be fixed?
Some minor fractures in your teeth don’t hurt – at least, they don’t hurt right away. When a tooth’s outer enamel breaks open, it reveals the inner part of the tooth, where the nerves are. Sometimes a fracture will immediately cause pain or discomfort, meaning the inside of the tooth is irritated. If your tooth is fractured, and you leave it untreated, you are leaving the inside of your tooth vulnerable to infection, which could cause bigger problems down the road.
How do we fix fractured teeth?
When the crack in your tooth is small and above the gumline, we can usually fix it with a filling, a crown, or some sort of dental bonding. These types of fractures are not too serious, but they can cause irritation if left untreated.
More serious fractures may require a root canal procedure to minimize the risk of tooth infections.
The most serious fractures are the ones that split the roots of the teeth.Sometimes, splits that go beneath the gum line can be saved with a root canal procedure, but often extraction of the toothis necessary at this point. Then, we have different options for tooth replacement so you aren’t left with a big gap in your smile.
Can tooth fractures be prevented?
You can try to prevent tooth fracturesby practicing good dental hygiene. Healthy teeth are strong teeth! Also, wear a mouthguard when you play sports. If you grind your teeth at night, use a mouthguard then, too. And watch what you’re biting down on! Don’t bite really hard foods.
If you think you have a fractured tooth,and you live in the Grosse Pointe, Michigan area, your best option is to contact us at Fisher Pointe Dental to get that tooth checked out as soon as possible.