Cracked Tooth Repair

Did you know that a cracked tooth is one of the leading causes of tooth loss? At Local Dental San Antonio, Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee offer comprehensive techniques for cracked tooth repair.

What is a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth is a fracture in the tooth and is categorized in five ways:

Craze Lines: Tiny cracks in the surface of the teeth (enamel)
Fractured Cusp: Breakage of the pointy part of the biting surface of the tooth (cusp)
Cracked Tooth: A type of dental fracture that runs vertically and typically extends into the gum line.
Split Tooth: A tooth is broken into at least two separate fragments
Vertical Root Fracture: A fracture that starts below the gum line and travels up

When is cracked tooth repair necessary?

While some patients don’t experience any symptoms, severely fractured teeth can present the following symptoms:

Sharp pain while biting or chewing
Dental pain that occurs on and off
Swollen gums
Dental sensitivity to sweet, spicy, hot, and cold foods

Treatment Expectations

For new patients, we strongly suggest filling out new patient forms and submitting insurance information for a more efficient first visit.

How long does cracked tooth repair take? While there is more than one way to treat a cracked tooth, our dentists can typically repair teeth in one to a few dental appointments.

Furthermore, we’ve outlined what to expect before, during, and after cracked tooth repair.

Before

First, our dentists must determine how the tooth is damaged, where the tooth is cracked, and the severity of the cracked tooth.

During

When our dentists determine how the tooth is damaged, they can offer cracked tooth repair: Minimal Crack: Dental bonding is a great solution for subtle hairline cracks in teeth. Moderate Crack: Dental crowns can strengthen moderately cracked teeth. The dental crown material chosen often depends on where the cracked tooth is in the mouth. For instance, a cracked front tooth warrants an aesthetically pleasing ceramic crown. On the other hand, a cracked molar could use a stronger material, like gold zirconia. Severe Crack: Severe dental damage can lead to cracked tooth pain and infection. If possible, our dentists will save the tooth with root canal therapy and a dental crown. However, if ignored, dental extraction might be necessary.

After

Patients should be able to lead regular lives after cracked tooth repair. If your dentist has special instructions based on the treatment received, they will give them at your appointment.

Find Out How to Fix a Cracked Tooth

While some types of dental cracks don’t cause any symptoms, sometimes cracks in teeth can feel uncomfortable. So, Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee provide cracked tooth repair that can remedy this discomfort.

Are you ready to schedule your next dental appointment in San Antonio? Take advantage of our online booking or conveniently call (210) 686-1486. The San Antonio community can trust the Local Dental team to keep individuals and families healthy, happy, and feeling at home.