Many people expect to know if a tooth cracks. In many cases, such damage to your teeth can occur from accidental trauma, and it’s immediately noticeable as soon as it occurs. However, that isn’t always the case, and sometimes, cracks can develop in your tooth more gradually. When this occurs, it might not seem as important to address the issue at first. However, any crack in your tooth can become a significant and more immediate threat to your oral health if it isn’t addressed promptly. Today, examine why it’s important to fix a cracked tooth, even if it doesn’t seem serious now.
What makes a tooth crack?
A tooth can crack, or become worn-down or damaged, in a variety of different ways. In addition to sudden, accidental tooth trauma, teeth might also become weaker and damaged under excessive pressure, such as from bruxism or a discrepancy in their alignment. Keeping your teeth strong through good dental hygiene and preventive dental care is an important aspect of preventing them from becoming damaged. Yet, if necessary, you may also benefit from customized treatment to address an underlying problem such as crooked teeth or chronic teeth-grinding.
When the condition is severe
A crack in your tooth can mean different things, depending on its severity. In minor cases, minor cracks might affect the appearance of your tooth or its enamel, but may not threaten the tooth’s structural integrity yet. In other cases, a fracture may be so severe that it affects most of the tooth’s visible crown structure. Not all cases of severe tooth fractures occur immediately. If a minor tooth crack is ignored long enough, the continued pressure from biting and chewing on the tooth can cause the fracture to grow increasingly more severe over time.
How to stop it from worsening
If you experience a tooth crack of any degree, it’s important to have your dentist restore the tooth as soon as possible. If the crack is still minor or mild, then restoring the tooth with customized treatment can stop it from growing and help you preserve more of your tooth’s healthy, natural structure. The restoration can also restore the tooth’s ability to withstand your bite’s pressure and protect your tooth’s natural structure from it. In more severe tooth fractures, a comprehensive restoration, such as a custom dental crown, can help you avoid losing the tooth structure that remains or having to extract it due to extensive damage.
Learn how we can fix your cracked tooth
A crack or fracture in your tooth can be a bigger problem than you realize at first, which is why it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
