Developing a cracked tooth requires professional intervention. Cracked teeth present more than just cosmetic concerns, they can develop severe damage and even internal infections. If you have cracked teeth, you may need to repair them with restorative crowns or receive dental implants to replace a tooth that is damaged beyond repair.
Our oral surgeons provide consultations for dental implants.
The Dangers of Untreated Cracked Teeth
When left untreated, a cracked tooth could cause severe oral health concerns. Deep fractures in tooth structure often lead to internal infections within the root canal. Infected teeth may produce severe discomfort and make it difficult to eat. These infections can also spread to neighboring tissue and even enter your bloodstream.
If you have a cracked tooth, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. After a physical examination with X-rays, he or she will be able to determine the appropriate course of action.
How Cracked Teeth are Repaired
When cracked teeth are salvageable, they can be repaired with restorations like onlays, inlays, and dental crowns. These restorations protect a tooth from developing additional damage. They will also restore a tooth to its proper size and shape.
Sometimes, cracked teeth require endodontic care such as root canal therapy. This treatment is normally performed by a dentist or an endodontist. He or she will remove the infected contents of the root canal and seal it. This process can save a tooth from extraction and restore comfortable oral function.
Tooth Replacement Options for Cracked Teeth
When teeth cannot be repaired with endodontic care and restorations, patients will need to have their teeth surgically removed and replaced. Patients have a few options for tooth replacement; however, dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that addresses the loss of the entire tooth’s structure. Dental implants and their attached prosthetics replace both a tooth’s root system and its crown.
With proper care, dental implants can last for decades. These sturdy prosthetics make it possible to enjoy a variety of foods without difficulty, too.
If you are in need of replacement teeth, we invite you to reserve a dental implant consultation with our oral surgeon at Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.