All About Cracked Teeth

Did you know that the human jaw can close with a force up to 270 lbs?

You could either be a patient of 15 or 72 years of age, and present to a dental office for a comprehensive exam with a chief complaint that the tooth on the upper right side had had a root canal done twice, and you are still in pain.

Teeth are protected by a hard outer layer called enamel. Enamel is a high mineralized substance in the human body. It is the part that covers each single tooth in our mouth. In some patients the color of it could be a little more white than others, depends on how well you treat them, you clean them and also it all depends on your food habits. The enamel of our teeth will protect them from decay. It is mandatory to avoid them from eroding. It will also protect your teeth from sensitivity due to cold or hot drinks or food.

In case the enamel on your teeth is destroyed there is nothing you or your dentist can do. It is not replaceable. It has no living cells that make it impossible to regenerate on its own. Filling will be the only alternative.

It is also important to mention to avoid very hard foods, like candy or ice cubes. It not only can crack or chip your teeth, it also can destroy the enamel on your teeth. Environmental factors and diet can weaken the enamel and make the tooth prone to decay, cavities and eventually cracking.

Also, over time teeth with larger fillings in them can develop cracks. As cracks progress deeper into the tooth they become more difficult to restore (from restorable to extractions).

What can you do to prevent cracked teeth?

Having a good and constant oral health care will definitively help. Brushing twice a day prevent cavities that weaken enamel and make teeth prone to cracks. Fluoride can also help restore tooth enamel that is weakened by acidic foods and bacteria.

Regular dental visits to your dentist to check up will help to identify problems early so they can be treated.

What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Small cracks may have no symptoms. As the crack progresses you may become sensitive to hot or cold. Or you may feel pain from time to time when biting down on the tooth.

What can you do if you think you have a cracked tooth?

Visit your dentist they will examine the tooth and take an x-ray to confirm the severity of the crack.

What can you do to fix a cracked tooth?

A small crack in a tooth is like a chip in a windshield. The longer you leave it there the greater the risk that it will get worse. If caught early a crown can replace the entire top of the tooth to protect it like a helmet. If the crack is deep you may need more extensive work to reinforce the inside of the tooth.

What if the crack is too deep to fix?

This tooth will need to be removed in order to prevent infection and other complications. Modern implant technology allows the tooth to be replaced in a way that mimics natural teeth.

 

For more information please contact Dr. Mauricio Hervas to 954.476.0770 and visit our website www.implantationdentalcenter.com