Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth

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 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Crowns Save Teeth

At Riverwalk Dental our dentists place crowns to restore patient smiles.  Crowns are a common restorative option for teeth with cracks, chips or a significant amount of decay. The routine and non-invasive procedure can save a tooth before it reaches the point of needing to be extracted or replaced with an implant. 

Fitting a patient with a new crown can be completed in as little as two visits. This process begins with preparing the tooth by removing any decay begins by removing any decay from the damaged tooth.  A crown fits over the tooth like a little cap, and to ensure a great fit for the crown, your dentist may need to contour the tooth that remains.  When the tooth has been prepared, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the custom product to be fabricated.  We can provide a temporary crown to wear while your new crown is being made.  Once your custom crown is made, the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist at a second appointment. 

To learn more about crowns and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.