Treatment Options for Tooth Fractures
When was the last time you visited the dentist? If it has been more than a year, you may have a tooth fracture and not even realize it. As surprising as this may seem, tiny fractures in the protective enamel layer of the teeth, clinically known as craze lines, are actually extremely common among adults. Fortunately, they pose no particular threats to a person’s oral health, though they can affect the appearance of the smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments are available to treat craze lines, while advanced restorative dentistry treatments can be used to address more severe tooth fractures.
These latter types of fractures, those that go beyond the superficial enamel layer of the teeth, should always be taken seriously, even if they do not cause any immediate pain or discomfort. Even though a fracture might start out as small and seemingly insignificant, it will inevitably lead to a more serious problem if left untreated. As with most dental problems, the earlier you seek treatment for a tooth fracture, the easier it is to treat. At Silvers Family Dental Care, we offer a variety of treatment options for tooth fractures. Our Harrisburg, PA dentists will always explore all available possibilities for salvaging fractured teeth before considering extraction.
If you have a tooth fracture, we urge you to schedule your initial consultation at Silvers Family Dental Care as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Tooth Fracture
In some cases, tooth fractures are not readily apparent. It is therefore important that you are able to recognize the symptoms of a tooth fracture so that you can seek timely treatment. You should schedule an appointment at Silvers Family Dental Care if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to extreme temperatures
- Shooting pains when you chew
- Swollen gum tissue near one of your teeth
- General pain that you cannot definitively attribute to one tooth
Types of Tooth Fractures and How Each Is Treated
At Silvers Family Dental, we treat the following types of tooth fractures:
- Craze lines: These fractures in the enamel are mainly a cosmetic problem and therefore are treated with a cosmetic solution such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
- Cracked tooth: A minor crack can usually be treated with a dental crown, which reinforces the tooth and relieves any pain. If the crack has reached one of the tooth’s root canals, then surgical removal of the dental pulp contained within the canal and subsequent placement of a dental crown will be necessary to salvage the tooth.
- Split tooth: If a tooth has split into two separate parts, one of the parts will be removed. To salvage the other part, root canal therapy must usually be performed.
- Vertical root fracture: This type of fracture begins in the tooth root and progresses upward. Sometimes the tooth can be salvaged through root canal therapy, but usually extraction must be performed.
Learn More about Treatment for Tooth Fractures
To learn more about treatment options for tooth fractures, please contact Silvers Family Dental today.