Tips For Avoiding: Dislodged, Broken, Cracked Teeth

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A broken or cracked tooth may seem minor at first, but if left untreated, matters may escalate. A broken tooth is a serious problem that causes hesitation to talk, laugh or smile in public and requires time at the dentist to rebuild the mouth as well as confidence. A general dentist will be the first to tell you that a broken tooth will not repair itself like a broken bone. The only way to restore the former appearance of a broken cracked or dislodged tooth is with a dental restoration or tooth contouring. 

Tips to Prevent Broken, Cracked or Dislodged Teeth

• While practicing sports.
• Suffering from bruxism. 
• Teeth-clenching.

•  Avoid asking too much of teeth.

• Unhealthy teeth can break, crack or dislodge more easily.
•  Brush and floss daily.

• Routine dental checkups identify small cracks that can be easily fixed and prevent them from increasing in severity.

• Tooth enamel is a hard substance, but one that can be eroded or damaged due to bad habits like drinking soda, eating sugary foods, brushing too hard and chewing fingernails or ice. 

Types of Cracked Teeth

• Craze lines. Tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They are shallow, cause no pain and are of no concern beyond the way they look. Craze lines are common for adults.
• Fractured cusp. When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, it’s called a fractured cusp. It usually does not cause much pain.
• Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. Cracked teeth left untreated worsen as time goes by and can result in tooth loss. 
• Split tooth. A split tooth is usually the result of a long-term cracked tooth. It is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact.
• Vertical root fracture. These cracks begin in the root of the tooth and extends toward the chewing surface. Often, they show minimal signs and symptoms. Many times, they are discovered when the surrounding bone and gum become infected.

Dental Procedures to Repair Cracked or Broken Teeth

• Composite bonding is a way to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, discolored, misshapen, and gapped teeth. 
• Composite bonding can last up to 10 years. 
• During the procedure, anesthesia is not required unless bonding is being used for cavities. 

• Veneers are covers for a tooth. 
• At iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares, we use porcelain veneers because they provide the most attractive and realistic results possible.
• The veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, transforming the tooth’s appearance. With good care, veneers can last up to 30 years.

• Badly chipped teeth or pain with chewing or drinking generally requires a crown. Crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments.
• A crown is a cap that covers the tooth, protects the tooth, and improves the appearance. 

• Cracks in the tooth that have extended into the pulp can be treated with a root canal. 
• Getting a root canal involves clearing out the decayed tooth matter and removing the nerve. 
• This procedure has a bad reputation for being painful. But if it’s done correctly, you should feel no pain or only minor discomfort.

• Used when a crack in the tooth extends below the gum line, a tooth is no longer treatable, and the tooth is not able to be saved. 
• Requires a tooth extraction followed by a dental implant.

Smile Makeover Procedures in Coral Gables and Doral, Florida

• Dental Bonding
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Implants
• Porcelain Veneers
• Teeth Whitening

• All major credit cards accepted
• Convenient monthly payments
• Coupons and monthly specials

• iSmile of Coral Gables: 305-396-1026
• iSmile of Doral: 305-620-8272