Is a Dental Crown Recommended for Dealing with a Cracked Tooth?

Is a Dental Crown Recommended for Dealing with a Cracked Tooth? from Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZA dental crown is a versatile restoration that can be used to address a wide range of dental issues like a cracked, chipped, decayed, deformed, or broken tooth. The crown covers up the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums, protecting it from further damage and acids made by oral bacteria.

Treating a cracked tooth with a dental crown

The severity of a crack that forms on a tooth determines how the dentist recommends treating it. The visible part of a person’s tooth has multiple layers, such as the outer chamber called the enamel and the innermost layer called the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber contains the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth with nutrients. The middle layer of a tooth’s crown is called the dentin and it makes up most of the tooth.

A crack that only affects the enamel and dentin is classified as mild to moderate. A dentist might be able to address it with more affordable treatments like composite bonding. A crack that reaches the pulp chamber typically needs root canal therapy and a crown.

The dental crown process

A cracked tooth never heals on its own, it only widens and deepens over time, causing more damage to the tooth’s structures. Covering a tooth prevents acids in the mouth from getting into the crack and expanding it. It also protects the tooth so it does not fall apart due to bite forces inflicted by chewing.

If the damage to the tooth reaches the pulp chamber, the dentist might recommend a root canal to clean out the soft tissues there. A crack leaving the pulp chamber open means bacteria in the mouth can now reach the soft tissues there and infect them. A root canal helps to protect against such issues and a crown is placed on the tooth afterward to preserve and restore it.

Local anesthetics are typically used during root canals to prevent the patient from feeling pain. A dental drill is used to make a hole into the pulp chamber and files are used to pull out the soft tissues. Medication is applied to the area before the dentist seals it with a material called gutta-percha.

Other options

Minor cracks can sometimes be fixed with composite bonding and cracks that extend below the gumline typically cannot be fixed with a crown. Dentists often recommend extracting cracked teeth when the damage reaches their root. The extracted tooth can be replaced with an oral prosthetic like an implant. In some cases, the dentist might be able to install the implant right after extracting the damaged tooth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Scottsdale, AZ

Do you have a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth is often accompanied by symptoms like toothaches and increased sensitivity. Getting the appropriate treatments brings the pain to an end and restores the function of the tooth. Call or visit our Scottsdale clinic to set up an appointment to learn more about how a crown can address your cracked tooth.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

Can You Notice Dental Crowns On Front Teeth?

It is possible to use dental crowns to restore teeth that have become damaged beyond repair, whether due to decay or trauma. A dentist may recommend this common type of treatment for a tooth that is: Seriously chipped Severely cracked or broken Weakened from numerous cavities or fillingsWhile the tooth can have extensive damage, it…

Is It Possible To Whiten Dental Crowns?

Dentists use dental crowns to protect or restore damaged teeth. Sometimes, tooth decay becomes too advanced or cracking may weaken the structure of the teeth. In these cases, a dentist may suggest a crown when fillings cannot solve the issue. Crowns are caps made of various materials, including ceramic, resin, porcelain, and metal.Crown placement is…

Reasons To Consider A Porcelain Dental Crown

A porcelain dental crown is beautiful and luminescent and reflects light just enough to look like a natural tooth. Although porcelain crowns look natural, they are, in fact, artificial. Crowns can be shaped precisely in order to restore tooth damage and enhance your smile. This makes them very beneficial both physically and aesthetically.A crown can…

Recent Posts

Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening

Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening

Various factors affect tooth color, including genetics, food and beverage choices, smoking, and medications. Stains can occur on the surface of the tooth or beneath the enamel. Surface stains are common, but stains can also occur due to changes within the tooth's material. Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth, while intrinsic…

The FAQs Of Sedation Dentistry

The FAQs Of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is another name for sleep dentistry. It helps keep you calm during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth. If you want to know more about sleep dentistry, here are some FAQs and the answers for each.Twilight sedation and conscious sedation are other terms…