Cracked teeth are a highly variable problem, which is why at Riverwalk Dental, we want our patients to have an understanding of what will happen if one is found. Depending on the crack’s location and severity, the problem could range from merely cosmetic to necessitating extraction.
The smallest cracks, called craze lines, do not threaten the tooth’s structure and can simply be covered up. More serious cracks will often be present long before they cause pain and may only be discovered through a dental examination or when an old filling is removed. Because cracks are usually too small to be examined through x-rays, dentists often test them through other means such as probing and asking patients to report what they feel when they bite down on cotton. In cases where a cracked root is suspected, a dentist may need to cut a flap in the gum tissue in order to do a visual examination. If the root is not cracked, the problem may be fixable with a new crown. If it is, there are ways of replacing the tip of a root, but a crack the entire length of the tooth will require the tooth to be replaced. It is also necessary to determine whether the tooth has been infected, which is something x-rays are more useful for.
Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.
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