Cracked Teeth and Extractions
You have a cracked tooth. Your dentist has given you the diagnosis. Right away, you might think, that means extraction. You will have to endure losing your tooth and the long replacement and recovery process.
Not necessarily. Whether extraction is required for a cracked tooth can be a difficult question to answer for any dentist. But first and foremost, a dentist will always seek to avoid extraction unless a tooth is beyond repair due to decay.
Assessing What Is Best for You
Your dentist will decide the best form of treatment for you, based on the severity of your cracked tooth, whether the tooth has become significantly decayed, if you have any signs of infection or gum disease, and your current overall dental health.
The earlier a crack is diagnosed and treated, the more likely you are to have relief from pain and a favorable outcome. As described below, your dentist will discuss options with you and suggest appropriate treatment.
Crown
A crown is a dental prosthetic that is usually ceramic or porcelain. A crown fits over the cracked tooth, creating a protective cap. Your dentist will remove some of the enamel from your tooth so the crown will fit in your mouth, make an impression of the tooth, and select a color that matches your adjacent teeth. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured.
When the crown is returned from the lab, your dentist will fit it over your cracked tooth and cement it into place. The crown process usually takes a couple of weeks. However, due to advances in technology, some dentists can finish a porcelain crown in their office and place it the same day. With proper care, a crown can last a lifetime.
Root Canal
When a crown is the recommended treatment, a root canal may first be necessary if the crack in the tooth is extensive, the nerve has been damaged, or the tooth pulp has become infected. Removing the damaged tooth pulp helps prevent a cracked tooth from becoming further infected or weakened.
A root canal is the first course of action if any part of a cracked tooth can be saved. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon or endodontist who will remove the damaged pulp and restore some integrity to the tooth so the crown can be placed.
Extraction
If the crack in your tooth is severe, typically meaning it has cracked into two pieces, the tooth is significantly decayed, or you have gum disease, removing the tooth may be your only option. Extracting a cracked tooth requires applying anesthesia to numb the affected area. The dentist will use forceps to remove the tooth.
A dentist will always seek to avoid extraction unless a tooth is beyond repair due to decay.
Prompt Treatment is the Best Course of Action
With prompt treatment, most cracked teeth are problem-free for years. A cracked tooth is most likely indicated by some form of tooth sensitivity, either to hot or cold foods and liquids, and possibly sweets. You may also experience pain when chewing or pain that comes and goes. If you have sensitivity or pain over a long period of time, visit your dentist as soon as possible.