Cracked teeth can occur for several reasons. When you play sports without a mouthguard or bite into hard foods, your front teeth are most susceptible to breaking and cracking, though your molars can sustain damage as well.
Your cracked teeth may require simple cosmetic repair or more extensive dental treatment. As soon as you notice you have cracked teeth, it is crucial to call your dentist. They can recommend how to repair cracked teeth that are causing you discomfort. The main objective is to quickly restore your smile to full health through dental treatments, such as placing dental crowns.
How to Care for Cracked Teeth?
Your dentist needs to be made aware of cracked teeth quickly to repair the damage before decay occurs.
If you feel any oral discomfort after an injury or suddenly notice tooth sensitivity when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, schedule a dental exam as soon as possible.
After scheduling your appointment, avoid biting on the cracked teeth to prevent further irritation and damage.
To clean the area and prevent bacterial growth, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after eating.
How to Repair Cracked Teeth?
Based on the damage and type of cracked teeth, the dentist will determine how to repair cracked teeth. There are a few options your dentist can offer for restoring your teeth to their former condition.
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Dental Bonding
Dental bonding involves using a soft composite resin to fill a small crack in a tooth. The dentist uses tooth-coloured resin to restore its natural appearance while also improving its strength and function.
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Root Canal
The root canal treatment will be beneficial if bacteria have been able to penetrate your tooth’s inner pulp through the crack. Root canal therapy involves the removal of damaged or infected tissue and the placement of a dental crown. You will not only be protecting the tooth against further decay but restoring the tooth’s functionality as well.
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Dental Crown
Dental crowns will keep a severely cracked tooth from degrading further and causing more discomfort. They provide structural support to the tooth and protect it against harmful bacteria. A dental crown covers the entire surface area, visually hiding any displeasing features while providing strength. Metal, porcelain, or ceramic can be used in the fabrication of a dental crown.
No Gaps Dental offers same-day CEREC dental crowns. CEREC dental crowns are made using computer-aided design (CAD) and milling technology to produce, design, and place your restoration in one dental visit, eliminating the need for additional appointments.
We perform the complete procedure at several No Gaps clinics, including digital impressions, custom design, fabrication, and installation. As a result, our CEREC dental crowns are perfectly fitted to your teeth. A dental crown can be custom-made to precisely match your existing teeth’s colour, shape, and length, seamlessly blending into your smile. The dentist places the dental crown over the prepped tooth structure once fabrication is complete.
What to Do After Dental Crown Placement?
A recovery period of a few days usually follows a dental crown procedure. Your mouth and gums need time to heal from the inflammation and soreness. You can discuss this during your initial dental examination on how to repair your cracked teeth.
Your dentist will give you more instructions and guidance for taking care of your new dental crowns after your procedure. These instructions may include:
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Have Patience While Recovering from Dental Crown Procedure
The placement of a dental crown can result in some sensitivity. During the first few days or weeks after the procedure, you will likely experience heat or cold food and drinks sensitivity.
The discomfort should diminish as your teeth and jawbone adapt to the new dental crowns. Follow your dentist’s advice about avoiding certain foods and chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the dental crown to aid recovery.
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Avoid Aggravating Foods or Drinks
Just as with your natural teeth, dental crowns can get damaged. It is best to avoid sticky sweets and food, which can pull on the crown and loosen it. Sticky bits of food can also lodge between your dental crown and gum, causing irritation. A dental crown may chip or dislodge if you consume hard or crunchy foods, such as carrots, nuts, or popcorn.
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Break Habits That Damage Your Teeth
Biting your nails or grinding your teeth when stressed can cause damage to your crowns and your natural teeth. If you’ve already tried to stop these habits but were unsuccessful, you must make another attempt. Not only will this preserve your new dental crowns, but it will also improve your overall oral health.
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Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Although you need to take care of your dental crowns, it is still important to thoroughly clean your natural teeth. To protect your teeth and dental crowns from gum disease and tooth decay, continue practising diligent oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. Floss gently around your dental crown.
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Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Maintaining the condition of your dental crowns requires regular dental examinations. Your dentist examines X-rays of the teeth under the dental crowns to ensure they are in good condition. They also check to see if the dental crowns still fit snugly.
Regular dental checkups can prolong the lifespan of crowns. Tell your dentist about any discomfort you experience with your dental crowns that might require attention.
Cracked Teeth Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Cracked teeth can lead to further oral complications if left unchecked. You can save your cracked teeth by visiting your dentist as soon as possible and avoid more costly dental procedures or tooth extraction.
The team at No Gaps Dental is committed to preserving your natural teeth wherever possible. We can discuss how to repair your cracked teeth through various methods to fit your budget and determine which of these restorative dental treatments, including dental crowns, will work for your smile. If you have cracked teeth, call No Gaps Dental on (02) 8806 0227 to book a consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.