Will I Need an Implant if I Have a Cracked Tooth?

Cracked teeth can occur for various reasons, and do not always lead to the loss of the tooth. If the tooth is damaged so severely that reconstruction is impossible, it might need to be extracted. In these cases, dental implants can help you regain your self-confidence and your smile. [pullquote]If the crack in your tooth is severe enough to require extraction, dental implants are an effective replacement option.[/pullquote]

 

Repairing a Cracked Tooth

The method used to repair a cracked tooth depends upon the severity of the damage. Teeth can be cracked due to trauma, decay, or because of issues with a previous restoration. In some cases, the tooth can be repaired, making extraction unnecessary. Restoration treatments used on cracked teeth include crowns and veneers.

Cracked teeth can occur when a metal filling has been in a tooth for a long period of time. The metal used in fillings expands and contracts with heat and cold, causing stress on the tooth that can lead to cracking. The larger the filling is, the more likely you are to suffer an eventual cracked tooth.

A full dental crown is usually the chosen restoration for this type of crack. A crown covers the entire tooth, and will help keep the broken pieces of the tooth in place. Your dentist can use a metal, porcelain, or porcelain-bonded metal crown.

Veneers are usually reserved for less serious cracks in front teeth. The veneer will cover the crack and, by bonding with the tooth surface, will also help keep the tooth intact.

 

What if My Tooth is Extracted?

If the crack in your tooth is severe enough to require extraction, dental implants are an effective replacement option. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including the tooth root, giving you a permanent, stationary tooth that is completely natural in appearance. In most cases, an implant can be set into place immediately after the initial extraction.

If you are facing the possible extraction and replacement of a cracked tooth, contact the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and neighboring areas, today to schedule a consultation.