A cracked tooth can result from a variety of incidences. A fall, a sports injury or a hit to the face can cause a tooth to crack. Small cracks are usually no cause for concern, except a cosmetic flaw, where large cracks can lead to significant problems.
No matter what the size of the crack in your tooth, it is best to consult an oral surgeon in order to keep your mouth healthy.
HOW DOES A CRACK AFFECT YOUR TOOTH?
A crack has the ability to cause some severe damage to your mouth. Even small cracks, while not usually dangerous, can be harmful. If the crack extends into the pulp of the tooth, you risk bacteria getting inside and causing infection. A large crack that goes down beyond the gum line increases these chances.
An infection within the tooth doesn’t stay in the tooth. It can spread into the bone surrounding the tooth and get into the blood stream. Once there, it can spread to other parts of the body, wreaking havoc and leading to other health issues like heart disease and stroke.
ROOT CANAL
A root canal can be performed by an oral surgeon to help save the tooth. The pulp and the root of the tooth are removed and the area cleaned and filled. A crown, or “cap,” is then placed on the tooth to protect it from new infection and also keep the tooth strong.
EXTRACTION
Sometimes, a cracked tooth is difficult, if not impossible, to repair with a crown or filling. The only way to protect your oral health is to remove the tooth. An oral surgeon is the best person to do this extraction, as the bone and gum may need to be cut to get the tooth out. And, if you want a dental implant to replace your extracted tooth, the oral surgeon can do that for you as well.
A cracked tooth, no matter how insignificant it may seem, should be examined, and it shouldn’t be put off. Contact our office today to discuss what should be done to protect your oral health.