Dr. Travis Bell, your Greensboro dentist, is here for you in the case of a dental emergency. If you've cracked a tooth, don't panic. The best thing to do in any dental emergency is to remain calm and call your dentist. Cracked teeth can be repaired or replaced and you can have a beautiful smile again!
Cracked tooth
How do you know if your tooth is cracked? You may experience a toothache or a sharp pain when you bite down. You could also notice sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may not always have sharp pain, but you might be able to see a crack while examining your tooth.
However you discover your cracked tooth, make sure you call your Greensboro dentist as soon as possible. Cracks in teeth don't heal like bones, they can only deepen. If the crack is left untreated it could extend below the gum line, and in that case, you will need a restoration. Early diagnosis is key for saving your tooth!
Repairing a cracked tooth
Dental bonding can often repair a cracked tooth if it is not too deep or doesn't extend below the gum line. The composite resin material used is applied directly to the tooth and cured with a special light until it hardens.
Crowns can help repair deeper cracks because the natural tooth is sculpted down to make room for the crown around the tooth. A crown is cemented into place and completely replaces the tooth.
In some cases, like when the tooth has cracked below the gum line, you will need a restoration to replace the tooth. We can help with a complete tooth replacement. The tooth will need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant.
If you've cracked a tooth come see your Greensboro dentist, Dr. Travis Bell. Contact us for an appointment in Greensboro, NC, at (336) 274-8386.