Although a dental crown will not reverse damages to a tooth, it can prevent a cracked or broken tooth from falling apart and keep it functional. Whether the crown is necessary or not depends on the extent of the damage. In some cases, a broken tooth can be fixed with a crown, and sometimes, the tooth might need to be removed and replaced completely. Continue reading to find out how the dentist can fix a broken tooth with a dental crown.
If a cracked or broken tooth becomes painful, it needs to be treated promptly. Sometimes, a cracked tooth may be hard to detect, especially if it is not visible damage – probably hidden along the gum line. This condition is called a cracked tooth syndrome, which refers to when a patient experiences symptoms of a broken tooth but the location is not visible.
When a cracked tooth is not causing pain or discomfort, a craze line might be the culprit. Crave lines are tiny fractures in the outer layer of the tooth, resulting from general wear and tear. They are common in adult teeth and do not usually require intervention, although the dentist may decide to polish the tooth to enhance its appearance.
The treatment of tooth breakage depends on the size, location and type. A shallow or small crack can be fixed with filling material to prevent further damage and possible infection. In this case, the dental crown may be used for additional protection and to improve aesthetics. Large cracks where only the top of the tooth is affected and does not extend to the gum line can also e treated without having to remove the tooth. A dental crown will be placed over the tooth to prevent further infection.
However, if the crack is severe enough that there is a risk of infection, a root canal treatment might be necessary. The process requires drilling a hole through the tooth to remove the infected pulp. After the treatment, the dentist will place a dental crown over the remaining tooth structure to protect the tooth and improve its appearance.
In severe scenarios, a broken tooth may need to be extracted, which is where the tooth is almost split completely or if it is vertical root breakage (where the crack starts from the under the gum line and goes up). It is necessary to replace the removed tooth, and often, a dental bridge or dental implant is used. In both cases, a dental crown is a major part of the treatment.
When someone suffers tooth breakage, it is crucial to visit the dentist immediately for professional advice. Some of the signs of a cracked or broken tooth include:
If you have a broken tooth or are suffering from symptoms that point to tooth damage, contact the dental office to book an appointment with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.
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