A lot of people are unaware of the certain habits they have which can lead to cracked teeth. If you repeatedly bite down on hard objects such as popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candies such as jaw breakers, you run the risk of damaging your tooth. Too much pressure when biting is what leads to a crack being formed and can also happen from bad habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Fortunately, there are several repair treatments available.
Small cracks in teeth can be repaired by either a dental filling or veneer. The dental filling is the most chosen option as it can be applied during one visit and is more affordable. A veneer offers more support than a filling but will cost more and will require a follow-up visit for its application.
If the crack is too large for a filling or veneer, a dental crown will need to be installed. A larger crack that has spread into the pulp of the tooth will require a root canal. The pulp of the tooth contains soft tissues such as nerves and blood vessels that can easily be infected. A root canal is done to prevent the infection from happening.
Not all teeth can be fixed through these treatments. If the crack is too large, the tooth will have to be extracted. Replacement options such as dental bridges or implants are available.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Holland, Michigan, please call our office.