Many people will experience a fractured (cracked or broken) tooth in their lifetime. The most common causes of fractured teeth are trauma to the face and mouth or biting on hard objects. Teeth with large fillings are especially apt to get a trauma.
Treatment options for a fractured tooth will depend on the size and location of the fracture. The typical process is:
- The damaged part of the tooth is removed
- With a small crack it will usually be fixed with a tooth colored filling
- A bigger crack may need a crown
- If the crack goes into the root or the center of the tooth, the tooth may need to be extracted
What is a Crown?
A dental crown also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over the cracked tooth. Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, composite or ceramic. The damaged part of the tooth is removed and the tooth is shaped with a drill so that the crown fits securely over the tooth. The finished crown is cemented onto the tooth, supplying protection from further harm to the tooth.
But, every case is unique, so it is best to discuss all of your options with your dentist. Give us a call at 509-565-8810 and we can answer any questions you may have about your options to fix a cracked or broken tooth.
