- What Are Cracked Teeth?
- How Do You Repair Cracked Teeth?
- What Are the Benefits of Fixing a Cracked Tooth?
- What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Teeth?
- Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
- What Causes Cracked Teeth?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Prompt Care for Cracked Teeth
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Are Cracked Teeth?
A tooth can crack for many reasons, such as biting something hard, an injury, or even everyday use. This can lead to discomfort and make it harder to speak or eat. Cracks can vary in type, from small surface lines to more serious fractures that affect the tooth's structure. The severity and location of the crack guide the right treatment. Cracked teeth do not heal on their own, which is why it's important to seek care as soon as possible to avoid pain and complications. Dr. William Looney and the team at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama provided personalized care for cracked teeth, ensuring our patients are comfortable and informed throughout the process. Schedule a consultation at our practice in Auburn, AL to learn how our approach to cracked teeth repair can help preserve your smile.
How Do You Repair Cracked Teeth?
During your consultation, we'll perform a thorough exam to evaluate the location and type of tooth crack you have. Our practice is equipped with advanced cone-beam CT imaging technology, which gives a more detailed view of your oral health and allows Dr. Looney to plan your treatment with greater precision. After the exam, Dr. Looney will go over your case and create a treatment plan. A fractured cusp can be repaired with a tooth-colored filling or crown to stop the crack from spreading. If the crack reaches the tooth's pulp, we may recommend root canal therapy. Extensive cracks may require surgery to repair or extraction to save your other teeth. Our main goal when fixing cracked teeth is to prevent infection by eliminating existing bacteria and sealing the area off.
What Are the Benefits of Fixing a Cracked Tooth?
Even if you aren't experiencing any pain, a cracked tooth can cause significant problems for dental health by making your mouth more vulnerable to infection. Repairing the crack as soon as possible can help you avoid complications while restoring the look and function of your tooth. The benefits of cracked teeth repair at our Auburn, AL practice include:
- Minimizing your chances of oral health complications
- Helping you avoid more invasive treatments
- Enhancing the look of your smile
- Rebuilding your tooth's strength and stability
- Allowing you to eat and speak comfortably
What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Teeth?
A cracked tooth might not always be obvious, but certain signs can indicate that something is wrong. Symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing or biting: You might feel a sharp, sudden pain when you put pressure on the tooth, which disappears quickly once you stop biting.
- Sensitivity to temperature: A cracked tooth can cause discomfort when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.
- Swelling of the gum: The gum around the cracked tooth may become swollen or inflamed, particularly if an infection has developed.
- Visible crack line: In some cases, you may be able to see a hairline fracture on the surface of the tooth.
Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
Great "bedside manner" - Dr. Looney was professional, kind and attentive. He listened so carefully that he addressed questions that I hadn't actually asked, but he intuitively knew I wanted answers to. He read my forms and asked questions about my prior career, showing interest. He was kind, proactive and made sure I left my appointment with everything I needed. The procedure was done efficiently with as little discimfort as possible. I strongly recommend Dr. Looney if you want a quality and caring experience. I drove 220 miles round trip and it was well worth it!
Dr W. Looney DMD is very professional & courteous. He did great correcting my dental issues. Best pain free surgery I have had in 59 years. Staff is great as well.
Dr. Looney took great care with this very anxious patient. I would definitely see him again.
This doctor is very caring. He went above and beyond to get my pain under control. I had one root canal and continued to have pain. He saw me (without a scheduled appointment) and did another root canal on a tooth next to the first infected one. I am praying this will resolve the issues but if not, it is certainly not a reflection on Dr. Looney. He has thorough, quick and most of all, compassionate. The office personnel were great as well.
My dentist did a root canal about 20 years ago and for some reason it went bad and he recommended that I see a specialist because of the difficulty of redoing one. I choose Dr. Looney from my dentist's recommendation and because his practice accepted my Southland Dental Insurance. The Dr. and his assistants did a great job, my root canal went fine, and my insurance covered the entire amount due, I was even refunded the co-pay. I hope I never need another one, but if I do I will see Dr Looney.
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What Causes Cracked Teeth?
While the enamel of our teeth is incredibly strong, it's not indestructible. Here are some common causes of cracked teeth:
- Biting or chewing hard foods: Ice, popcorn kernels, nuts, and hard candies are frequent culprits.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): The constant pressure from grinding, especially during sleep, can weaken teeth over time.
- Large fillings: Teeth with extensive fillings may become weaker and more susceptible to cracking.
- Trauma: A fall, a sports injury, or a car accident can cause direct impact and crack a tooth.
- Sudden temperature changes: Biting into something very cold after consuming something hot, or vice versa, can cause thermal shock.
- Age: As we age, our teeth naturally become more brittle and prone to cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
Yes, especially if you’re in pain or the crack is severe. Early evaluation can prevent complications. Delaying treatment may lead to infection or the need for extraction.
Is it okay to wait to fix a cracked tooth?
No, delaying treatment can cause the crack to worsen or the tooth to break completely. This may result in infection or loss of the tooth. It's best to address the problem as soon as possible.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked or just sensitive?
Cracks often cause sharp pain when biting or releasing pressure, not just when eating hot or cold foods. Your dentist can perform tests to differentiate between the two. Persistent sensitivity should always be checked.
Is treating a cracked tooth painful?
Endodontic Associates of East Alabama prioritizes your comfort by using local anesthesia to numb the area before any work begins. Most patients find the repair process no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling, and the procedure actually works to treat the source of their existing pain. We also offer various sedation options to ensure a relaxed and stress-free experience.
When is a root canal necessary for treating a cracked tooth?
A root canal is necessary when the crack has extended into the pulp, or the innermost layer of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. This often causes sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or pain when chewing. A root canal is performed to remove the damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal it to prevent infection and save the natural tooth.
What materials are used to seal a cracked tooth?
Dr. Looney uses high-quality biocompatible materials that bond directly to the tooth structure to provide maximum reinforcement. In cases involving root damage, our team in Auburn, AL, uses specialized materials that promote healing and create a bacteria-proof seal. Our modern approach is designed to preserve the natural strength and flexibility of your original tooth.
Prompt Care for Cracked Teeth
At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama, we provide quick, convenient access to high-quality dental care for Auburn, AL and beyond. If you have a cracked tooth, it's vital to have it addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Looney has more than 30 years of experience fixing cracked teeth and saving patients' smiles. Contact our practice today to arrange your appointment.