Teeth are not indestructible. Many people take them for granted, believing that they will last forever until one day, they crack. And then, patients visit our endodontics dentist in Palm Beach Gardens, wondering how that could have happened.
You have to take care of your teeth, and it includes brushing them daily (twice a day) with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between them, not biting hard objects with them, and keeping up with your dental checkups every six months. We can ensure you that, this way, you will keep cracks away for a long time.
Unfortunately, many individuals don’t do so and end up with cracked teeth. There are different types of cracks, and we will explain them below. And if you feel related, don’t postpone it and reach out to a family dentist near you before the damage is irreparable.
Minor Fissures
These cracks are usually asymptomatic and don’t require any dental treatment. Your doctor will evaluate the tooth clinically and radiographically to determine if another layer of the dental piece is affected or only the enamel.
Vertical Cracks
They usually start at the occlusal part of the tooth. If untreated, the crack may extend down to the roots; however, the tooth doesn’t split into two. They may cause some discomfort, especially when drinking or eating too hot or too cold beverages.
If you feel any of these symptoms, visit a dental professional as soon as possible. If you don’t, the fracture can extend, and you might need root canal treatment near you or even a dental extraction.
Root canal treatment in Palm Beach Gardens consists of removing the tooth’s damaged nerve. First, your endodontist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and eliminate the decayed structure (including the pulp). Afterward, they will disinfect the canals with Sodium Hypochlorite (it is the most common irrigator). Finally, they will seal them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
In another appointment, a doctor will place a dental crown, and until then, you mustn’t chew with the treated tooth; otherwise, it may crack.
Split Teeth
These are the most severe form of fractures. The tooth of your child can split into two parts, and it affects the pulp of the dental piece (where the nerve and connective tissue are).
Unfortunately, if you have a deep fracture, your doctor will extract the tooth. The good part is that restorative dentistry contains many options to replace a missing dental piece, such as dental implants.
Dental implants consist of a small titanium post that dental professional places inside the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has been installed, you must wait around three months for it to integrate with your bone (osseointegration). After this time, a specialist will place a porcelain dental crown on top for a natural look.
How to Prevent the Cracks?
As we mentioned above, keeping up with dental checkups and maintaining an oral care routine is essential to preserve teeth in good condition. Other recommendations include:
- Using a mouthguard when playing a contact sport or any sport.
- Not ignoring early signs of a dental issue. You don’t want a minor crack to develop into a Deep One.
- Being present and paying attention when performing physical activity.
If you have any other questions related to this or another dental topic, feel free to get in touch with our dental offices. We have a team of caring professionals who look forward to helping you restore a damaged tooth.
And remember, prevention is always the key to keep oral issues away!
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