Also referred to as CTS (Cracked Tooth Syndrome) or Cracked Cusp Syndrome, this condition occurs when a tooth is partially cracked and no part of the tooth has broken and fallen off. It is quite difficult for a dentist to diagnose this condition, as the person suffers from variable symptoms.
Here are some possible causes, available treatment options and tips to care for a cracked or broken tooth. Speak to your dentist about using one of these treatments to treat your tooth.
Possible Causes of Cracked Teeth
There are numerous things that can lead to cracked teeth. Some common ones include:
- Large fillings that make teeth weak
- A blow to the lower jaw or chin
- Extreme pressure on the teeth due to grinding
- Gum infections
- Biting down something hard
- Impulsive changes in temperature of the mouth
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
Fixing a cracked tooth is not difficult these days, thanks to the advancement in cosmetic dentistry. There are numerous effective dental treatments that can fix the crack and ensure your tooth looks natural, just like it was before the crack. Some of the treatment options are as follows:
- Cosmetic Contouring
This treatment is helpful when there are very small cracks in the tooth. It involves rounding the rough edges of tooth followed by polishing. This treatment buffs away the minute crack completely.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding for cracked teeth is done using a plastic dental resin. The resin is used to fill the crack. This treatment is effective in repairing and rounding off a small crack on the tooth’s biting edge. Dental bonding also helps restore the tooth’s natural shape.
- Dental Veneers
A dental veneer can be described as a wafer-thin layer of porcelain that is used to cover the front surface of the tooth. Dental veneers are the perfect treatment for a tooth that has retained considerable amount of its structure. Moreover, veneers are considered to be highly durable. However, a little tooth preparation is required in the process.
- Dental Crowns
A dental crown is the last option used to treat cracked, chipped, fractured, or broken tooth, and is often used when dental veneers don’t work. A dental crown restores the shape, strength and functioning of the cracked tooth. The procedure also involves tooth preparation and treating other infections as well before fitting the crown.
Care Tips for Cracked Teeth
It is important to get the cracked, chipped or broken tooth treated at the earliest to prevent further damage. A broken or chipped tooth requires great care after the treatment. Check the following tips on how to care for a treated tooth to make it more long-lasting.
- Avoid biting on hard things
Putting pressure on the teeth treated with dental bonding or cosmetic contouring might lead to reoccurrence of the problem. Therefore, avoid biting on hard things like ice. Also, remember that your teeth are not tools to cut things. You have scissors for that purpose!
- Maintain proper oral hygiene
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene levels is an important factor when it comes to the health and wellbeing of the treated tooth. Regular brushing and flossing are the keys to good oral health. It is, however, important to note proper cleaning doesn’t imply vigorous brushing. Choose a brush that has soft nylon bristles for gentle yet effective cleaning.
- Follow up
After you are through with the treatment, make sure you visit your dentist regularly. This would help to check problems before they take a serious form.
While there are numerous treatment options for a cracked tooth, it cannot be healed completely. This doesn’t mean that you will have to lose your tooth. With proper treatment and care, such a tooth can function and appear normal for about 10-12 years after treatment
