In the third article on Smile Design, we will be addressing one of the common complaints of patients which is BROKEN or FRACTURED TEETH.
A Human Tooth is made up of four main layers:
– The Enamel (outermost hard layer,also one of he hardest substance in the human body).
– The Dentin (second layer in the tooth).
– The Cementum (covers the Root of the tooth).
– The Pulp (innermost layer comprising of nerves).
Causes of Broken or Fractured Teeth:
– Caries(decay) in teeth.
– Accidental trauma to teeth.
– Biting down on something hard.
– Large, old silver fillings that cause secondary caries(decay).
Types Of Cracked Teeth:
– Craze lines: These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. Craze lines are common for adults. They are shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond the way they look.
Fractured cusp. When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, it’s called a fractured cusp. It usually doesn’t cause much pain.
– Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. Early diagnosis is important in this case to save the tooth. A cracked tooth left untreated will get worse as time goes by and can result in a loss of the tooth. Early treatment is essential in saving cracked teeth.
– Split tooth: A split tooth is usually the result of a long-term cracked tooth. It is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact.
– Vertical root fracture: These cracks begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. Often, they show minimal signs and symptoms. Many times, they are discovered when the surrounding bone and gum become infected.
Treatment of Broken or Fractured Teeth
The treatment for a broken or fractured tooth depends upon the extent of the fracture on the tooth surface.
Various procedures that can be used to treat fractured or broken teeth are as follows:
– BONDING: Composite bonding is a way to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, discoloured, misshapen, and gapped teeth. During the procedure, anaesthesia won’t be required unless bonding is being used for cavities.
– VENEERS: Veneers are covers for a tooth. The veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, transforming the tooth’s appearance. With good care, veneers can last for a long time, so you won’t have to worry about getting it replaced regularly. Veneers can be placed on single or multiple teeth.
– CROWNS: Crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, protects and improves the appearance. It acts as a strong covering for your tooth. When you get a crown, this prevents you from losing your tooth. Without a crown, a damaged tooth won’t be able to withstand the pressure of chewing.
– DENTAL IMPLANT: If you have a crack in your tooth that extends below the gum line, your tooth is no longer treatable, and the tooth cannot be saved. You will need a tooth extraction, which means your tooth will need to be pulled. And then, you can get a dental implant to replace your natural tooth.
Dental implants take the place of your missing teeth. They act as your tooth’s new root and are placed securely in your jawbone for a lasting fit.
To read about the above mentioned treatments in detail, refer to our SERVICES section.