Chips and Cracks

Cracked Teeth

Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you, and cracked teeth is not an attractive look for anyone. But more importantly, cracks can lead to tooth loss and other issues?

Cracked teeth can be painful and vulnerable. Fortunately, at Elegant Dental Care we have treatments that can repair cracks and protect your oral health.

But I don't see any cracks in my teeth...

Cracked Teeth AREN'T ALWAYS OBVIOUS

Pain when Chewing

If you experience pain when you chew or bite into food, it may be due to an oral health issue, including a crack that is not visible.

Sensitivity

If you feel pain or irritable sensation when you drink a cold beverage or biting into hot foods, it could be that you have a crack in your tooth which is causing the pulp of the tooth to become irritated.

Pain with No Clear Cause

If a toothache starts for no apparent reason, it could be due to any number of oral health issues, including a fractured tooth.

Do I need to worry about cracking a tooth?

Certain Bad Habits INCREASE YOUR RISK FOR CRACKS

Unfortunately, anyone can suffer a cracked tooth, but you have a greater risk if you:

  • Grind or clench your teeth

  • Have misaligned teeth

  • Bite your fingernails

  • Chew ice

  • Play contact sports

  • Eat large quantities of sugary foods

  • Have an eating disorder

  • Suffer from acid reflux

So why do teeth become cracked?

Injury, Pressure, and Weakened Tissue CAN ALL DAMAGE YOUR TEETH

Trauma

Even with the healthiest teeth an impact from an object can easily result in a dental fracture. Cracked teeth are a common injury that occurs in sports from professionals to recreational activities, car accidents or working around the house.

Repeated Pressure

Your teeth may have more than their share of bite pressure due to misalignment, fingernail biting, tearing open packages, or bruxism.

Compromised Dental Tissue

Acidic foods, stomach acid, and genetics can all result in eroded and weakened dental enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to developing fractures.

How will my dentist and I know if my tooth is cracked?

Prevention Is Simple

Attend Regular Dental Checkups

Dr Sohn can identify signs of teeth grinding and issues such as misalignment, and recommend treatments to correct these issues.

Take Precautions

Always wear a mouth-guard when playing sports and take reasonable safety precautions with any activity.

Break Bad Habits

Biting your fingernails and chewing things like ice and trying to tear open things with your teeth can eventually result in a dental fracture. Large amounts of sugary or acidic food can also increase your risk of a cracked tooth.

 

If I can't see a fracture, how will Dr Sohn find it?

X-Rays and Other Tests

X-Rays and Microscopes

Taking an x-ray of your bite can help to reveal cracks that are not immediately apparent to the naked eye. Microscopes can also reveal cracks.

Transillumination

Dr Sohn can place a light source against your tooth. If your tooth is cracked it will interrupt light passing through it.

Bite Tests

If you bite down on an object such as a cotton roll and then suddenly release the pressure, any resulting pain is likely indicative of a cracked tooth.

 

My tooth is cracked. Can it be repaired?

Treating Cracked Teeth

Veneers and Bonding

Veneers and bonding can conceal minor cracks that do not threaten your oral health.

Dental Crowns

A more serious dental fracture may require a crown, which can provide protection against further damage.

Root Canal

Some cracks can result in a dental infection. A root canal can remove infected soft tissue and salvage the exterior, which is restored with a dental crown.

Extraction

If a tooth is too compromised, extraction may be the best solution. The tooth can be replaced with a dental implant and crown to maintain the balance of your bite and prevent jaw atrophy.

If you think your tooth has become damaged...

Contact Us Right Away

If you can see a dental fracture, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as tooth pain, your best bet is to speak to with Dr Sohn immediately. Schedule a consultation today to find a solution.

Elegant Dental Care

Dr. Park uses innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology to provide world-class oral healthcare to the community of Loma Linda and surrounding areas. He is a member of a number of professional associations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • California Dental Association

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or call our Loma Linda, CA, office at (909) 478-9777.

Loma Linda Office

24950 Redlands Blvd
Ste B
Loma Linda, CA 92354


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