Feeling that you have accidentally cracked a tooth can be very stressful. One of the first questions that comes to mind is: Is there a way to fix it? Fortunately, there are different ways and among them, a dental crown is one of the most effective options. We will help you understand when to consider a crown for a cracked tooth and when it may not work.
When Should You Consider Getting a Dental Crown?
Teeth can break in different ways. The treatment you require depends largely upon the extent of tooth damage. You might need a crown if there is:
A deep crack in the tooth
A cracked tooth may require a crown when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration and the crown can help protect the tooth from further damage. The appropriate treatment depends on the location and extent of the crack.
A large broken cusp
When a large portion of a tooth breaks, especially on a back tooth that handles significant chewing forces, a filling may not provide enough support. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist may recommend a crown to restore and protect the tooth.
Tooth fracture after root canal
Teeth become slightly brittle after a root canal. Dentists almost always suggest covering the treated tooth with a crown to prevent cracks and fractures.
Severe decay
Placing a dental crown is sometimes a better option for a tooth that is badly decayed or damaged than placing a large filling.
How Can a Crown Help Save a Cracked Tooth?
A tooth crack never heals on its own. The biggest risk is that a part of the tooth may break and fall out entirely. A crown helps prevent that. It covers the whole visible part of the tooth and holds it together.
The strong protective casing of the crown prevents acids from oral bacteria from getting into the crack and also distributes biting forces more evenly. This is especially helpful for teeth with cracks or fractures that have not reached the pulp yet.
In some situations, dentists may suggest a root canal first (in case the damage has reached near your pulp) and then place a crown.
When a Dental Crown May Not Be the Best Solution
Dental crowns are not the only option for broken or cracked teeth. Let’s suppose you have a small chip or crack on one of your front teeth. It’s not causing pain, but it looks noticeable when you smile. For this type of cosmetic issue, dentists usually recommend dental bonding or veneers.
There’s another end of the scale. If the damage is so serious that you don’t have enough tooth structure left to support a crown or the fracture is too deep, an extraction may be necessary.
Talk to your dentist about all the options. A detailed consultation can help you make the best choice for your tooth.
Summing Up
A tooth crack can quickly turn into a dental emergency. Before that happens, consult our dental experts at Alonso Family Dental as early as you can. We’ll help determine if a dental crown can save your cracked tooth or if you need to consider other options. Book an appointment today by calling us at (281) 778-8400.