Types of Tooth Cracks and Treatment

 

A tooth fracture can occur in both the front and back teeth, but the causes differ for each region. The front teeth most often become fractured due to sports trauma or some other external event, and may show signs of mobility due to underlying bone or tissue damage or exhibit damage to the vital tissue known as the pulp.

contact with our dentist in dwarka to learn how cracks can evolve into complete tooth fractures and how internal damage and cosmetic restoration is handled.

Posterior teeth often crack or fracture off due to active decay or improperly placed restorations. Although these fractures may not present as urgent an aesthetic problem as those confined to the front teeth, serious damage to both the tooth and supporting structures and tissue can occur without prompt treatment. This article looks at the various type of tooth cracks and how treatment is approached for each.

Superficial Cracks in the Front Teeth

Cracks that occur on the front teeth can be superficial or implicate deeper layers of the tooth. They can occur due to external trauma or natural causes. Tooth structure on either side of the crack is still structurally secure but its integrity can disintegrate with time, evolving into a complete fracture (the sides can break off with little force).

"Craze" lines are an example of a naturally-occurring crack that is confined to the outer enamel layer. Tooth enamel protects the interior layers of the teeth, but can be successfully restored with composite bonding or refinishing of the enamel surface. The same can be said for traumatic injuries to just the enamel.

During composite bonding, the dentist simply etches the tooth and applies a white filling-like material to the crack.

Deeper Cracks in the Front Teeth

Deeper cracks can introduce complications to treatment. If the crack extends into the second layer, known as the dentin, it can still be successfully repaired with composite bonding or an indirect restoration (veneers). The goal of treatment is to achieve aesthetic correction but to also keep the crack from propagating deeper into the tooth structure.

Cracks that have extended into or near the pulp present a cause for concern. The pulp consists of vital tissues that facilitate the growth and regenerative processes of the tooth. A crack that exposes the pulp to the oral environment can introduce bacteria into the pulp chamber, where it can cause infection and subsequent death of the tooth. Depending on the age of the patient and the extent of damage already done to the pulp, two main options exist.

The pulp or dentin immediately surrounding the pulp can be medicated after active decay is removed to stimulate new dentin growth. The tooth can then be restored with composite bonding or through other restoration methods and re-examined in several months to confirm pulpal health. This approach is ideal for immature teeth with developing roots. In instances where the pulp and/or supporting tooth structures have become infected, a root canal is recommended.

A root fracture threatens the structural integrity of the tooth and can affect both the dentin and pulp. Teeth that have received prior endodontic treatment are typically at higher risk for root fracture. Treatment may initially include stabilization of the tooth and observation of crack progression and pulpal health. If complications develop root canal therapy, partial root removal, or tooth extraction may be recommended.

 Source:  EzineArticles

Top 8 Signs That You Need to See a Dentist

 

For some people, the health of their teeth and gums gets put on the backburner in favor of the rest of the body. What many people do not realize is that many health problems can stem from or get worse if the gums and teeth are not in good health. Seeing the dentist, preferably every six months, is very important to your overall health. Here are some signs that you cannot ignore when it comes to your health and when you should visit the dentist:

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Your teeth or gums are painful. Pain is a sign that something is wrong. You may think that your teeth are just sensitive, but you must get a professional opinion. Infection in the tooth or gums can easily cause tooth loss and major health problems. In order to rule out any problems and before they get much worse, you must schedule a checkup with your dentist.

Your gums bleed when you brush them. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease. Your gums may be swollen and inflamed. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause a loss of the teeth and other health problems. It is extremely critical that you address this issue as soon as possible with your dentist.

You have not seen a dentist in over six months. You should always make time to have your teeth and gums inspected and cleaned professionally. Having these things done will help to prevent new diseases and issues, and you will catch potential problems very quickly this way. Make sure that you see your dentist often to ensure good oral health.

You have a chipped or a loose tooth. It is very important to try to save your tooth while you still can. The longer you let the problem go, the more likely it is that you will lose the tooth. Not only can a lost tooth be unsightly, it can also cause health problems. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth or suggest other options to keep your mouth looking and feeling its best.

Your old fillings are loose. Fillings may not last forever. In fact, the treated tooth can actually rot around the filling and you may not be aware of it. If you have pain behind or around your filling or if the filling has become loose, you absolutely need to see your dentist as soon as possible to fix the filling, replace it, or have other treatment options done.

You have facial pain. Facial pain may be a sign that you have an infected tooth or gums. There are many nerves running throughout your face and mouth. Sometimes when a tooth or the gums become infected, they can make other parts of the face hurt. Talk to your doctor and dentist about any facial pain that you may be experiencing right away.

You are a smoker or chew tobacco, have diabetes, or are pregnant. These are conditions that can take a toll on your oral health. You may need to be seen more frequently in order to stay ahead of these conditions and to make sure that problems are not developing in your teeth and gums.

You notice anything different about your teeth. Discolorations, bumps or spots on the gums, and other issues should be addressed with a dentist immediately. The longer you wait to be seen by your dentist, the worse the problem could get. Eventually it may be untreatable if you do not contact a professional right away. It is better to be seen right away while the problem can still be managed, so make sure you do not put any oral health issues out of sight.

  Source:  EzineArticles