Does a Cracked Tooth Need to be Repaired?
Even a small crack provides the opportunity for decay-causing bacteria to enter into the tooth and can result in deep decay and infection which can cause breakage and even tooth loss. Without treatment, a small crack in a tooth can quickly develop into a deeper crack which can become painful and require extensive treatment. Additionally, repairing a cracked tooth can improve a person’s confidence and help avoid any further issues.

What Types of Restoration Options Are Available for Cracked Teeth?
Depending on the location of the crack and how extensive it is, a cracked tooth may be repaired with a veneer, bonding, or a crown. Dr. Rathee also provides biomimetic treatment for cracked teeth. Biomimetic dentistry addresses weak, decay, or cracked teeth by sealing them against bacteria and repairing fractures from inside the tooth helping them to remain strong. Instead of traditional methods which don’t always take the overall dental health of a patient into account and often don’t take advantage of advanced adhesives and ceramics, biomimetic techniques can avoid 60 to 90% of crowns and root canals. Conservative fillings or ceramic onlays, which look and function more like a person’s natural tooth, are used instead of crowns. These treatments help patients avoid developing future problems with the tooth by preventing infections and bonding the tooth to prevent additional cracks.

Before any treatment of a cracked tooth takes place, an evaluation will be performed to ensure the most appropriate treatment is selected.

What Steps can I Take to Avoid Cracking a Tooth?
One of the most important things you can do to avoid cracking a tooth is to have regular dental exams every six months to ensure your teeth are as healthy as possible. Healthy teeth are strong and far less likely to become damaged. Cracks in teeth, when detected early, can often be repaired conservatively. Another important step you can take is to avoid chewing on ice or hard candies. Lastly, never use your teeth as tools to open lids or caps.