Fractured Teeth Types and Treatments

Fractured Teeth Types and Treatments

Tooth fractures can be of different types and each type needs to be treated differently.

• Minor Cracks: These are also known as “craze lines” and are surface cracks affecting the white surface of your tooth, known as the enamel. These cracks do not require any treatment.
  However, a dentist might polish the effected area to smoothen the rough spots.
  
• Cracked Tooth: This is one such fracture type that affects the tooth on the whole, from the surface used for chewing to the nerve. Cracks can often be mended with typical dental filling materials.
  The tooth can also be prevented with the help of a crown and this also helps in preventing the worsening of tooth. If there’s a damage in the pulp (nerve, live tissues), a root canal treatment might be needed.
• Chips: Minor chips might not need treatment all the time. Your dentist might just repair the damage with the help of filing material in order to prevent worsening. If the chip is a tiny one, polishing would be enough to even out the area that has been chipped.
• Broken Cusps: These are breaks that affect the pointed cusps or the chewing surface of your teeth. They are unlikely to affect your pulp and might not cause any pain as well. Your dentist might feel the need to mend the damage if it disrupts chewing. A crown or onlay might however be required.
• Serious Breaks: These are deeper breaks that can expose and affect the nerve. This causes pain and tooth sensitivity. The broken part of a tooth usually bleeds. You will have to undergo a root canal treatment for removing the nerve that has been exposed and then crown it in order to bring the tooth back to its regular functions so that you can chew and eat properly.
• Split Tooth: In this case, the tooth splits vertically into separate parts. Some teeth, like the ones at the back (the molars), have quite a few roots. One of the roots can possibly be kept and then covered with a crown.
  Firstly, a root canal treatment becomes obvious. Secondly, the damaged roots will be removed by the dentist. Thirdly, the root will be covered by a crown and the tooth will be replaced. In case if the root is totally damaged and can in no ways be saved, removing the tooth is the ultimate choice.
• Vertical Breaks / Split Root: These cracks affect the root of tooth first and then expand upwards to reach the chewing surface. These are painful breaks and are caused by infection and inflammation. This calls for a tooth removal.
• Decay-Induces Break: This is a case of a broke tooth caused by cavities that weaken the tooth, inside out. A dentist will examine the cavity and will then recommend the best way of restoring the tooth. In certain cases, the tooth might have to be removed.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros  Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.