Did you know that cracked teeth are quite common? Chips and breaks are also fairly common.
Why do teeth crack?
There are many reasons a tooth may chip, break or crack:
- Teeth can crack from wear over time and with age and the enamel may thin. Tooth grinding or clenching can damage teeth and lead to problems.
- Ceramic crowns can be quite hard on opposing teeth and can cause a problem.
- Sometimes chewing or biting too hard, or biting into something hard can cause a break or crack.
- Large fillings can weaken the tooth structure and lead to cracks.
- These reasons, along with falls, sports injuries or other types of impact, can cause or contribute to a crack.
- Poor oral care can make teeth more susceptible to cracking. This is another reason to try to keep those dental checkups regular.
What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?
When a tooth has a crack, the first option is a dental crown. This can fix the problem, but if the problem is deeper into the tooth dentin, then a root canal may be needed.
With these two options, in most cases, the tooth will be saved. In some more challenging cases, however, tooth removal may be necessary. If so, a tooth implant can be a good option.
