What is a fractured tooth?
A fractured tooth is also referred to as a cracked tooth. It’s when a crack occurs in your tooth, running from the biting surface of your tooth down towards its root. In some cases, a fracture can cause a tooth to break or split. However, tooth fractures can also be harmless.
What causes a fractured tooth?
Teeth are hardy, but they’re not invincible. Tooth grinding, injuries and amalgam fillings that have been contracted can all cause minor, moderate and major fractures. Tooth fractures tend to be more common in children and older people.
Back teeth, such as molars, are most susceptible to fractures as they do most of the hard work of chewing down foods of all textures, shapes, and sizes. These teeth also suffer the most when you grind your teeth.
Types of dental fractures
- Craze lines – These are minuscule superficial cracks affecting the outer layer of enamel. These cracks do not threaten your tooth health or function.
- Cracked tooth – The phrase is used to describe a crack that extends towards the root. A tooth with this type of crack needs restorative swift attention.
- Split tooth – A split tooth occurs as a consequence of having a long-term crack in your tooth. Root canal treatment is the best course of action to salvage the tooth, after which restorative treatment like a crown will be needed to protect it and restore its aesthetic.
- Vertical root fracture – These originate in the root of a tooth and run all the way towards the chewing surface.
Why choose Denmark Street?
We are dentists who specialise in the diagnosing, planning and rehabilitation of fractured teeth. Part of achieving a successful and predictable outcome is taking the time to explore all avenues so that we can establish which treatment route best fits your personal and clinical needs.
Our state-of-the-art digital scanner and CBCT scanner give us an excellent insight into the health of your jawbone and the condition of your mouth. Our dentists can use this vital information and apply their dexterity, knowledge, and experience to perform your treatment.
Using our state-of-the-art facilities, your dentist here at Denmark Street will be able to swiftly assess the cause of your fractured tooth. In every single case, we will attempt to preserve the tooth as long as it is in the interest of your oral health.
