What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Cracked teeth can result from a variety of everyday activities and conditions, including habits or factors you may not realize could harm your enamel. Some of the most common causes include:
- Biting into hard foods: Chewing on popcorn kernels, ice cubes, or hard candies can place excessive force on teeth, causing cracks or fractures.
- Grinding or clenching teeth: Over time, bruxism, or habitual teeth grinding, wears down the enamel and increases stress on teeth, making them more susceptible to cracking.
- Dental trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or even slips and falls can cause sudden and severe impacts that crack teeth.
- Weakened teeth: Fillings, deep cavities, and aging can weaken teeth, increasing the likelihood of cracks.
Recognizing these risk factors can help protect your teeth, but if you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it is critical to seek treatment promptly. Early intervention prevents further damage and reduces the need for more extensive treatment.
Treatments Used to Repair Cracked Teeth
At Excel Endodontics, we offer a variety of advanced treatments tailored to repair your cracked tooth while prioritizing its preservation. Our goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible, using minimally invasive and practical solutions. Depending on the nature and severity of the crack, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack extends into the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy can remove the damaged tissue, alleviate pain, and prevent infection, all while preserving the tooth’s structure. This procedure is often the best choice for deep cracks threatening the tooth’s vitality.
- Bonding and Sealing: For more minor, more superficial cracks, bonding material can be used to seal the tooth. This procedure improves the tooth’s appearance, reduces sensitivity, and helps to prevent further cracking.*
- Crown Placement: When a crack compromises the strength of the tooth but does not reach the pulp, a custom crown may be needed over the tooth. A crown provides additional support and strength, restoring both function and aesthetics.*
- Endodontic Microsurgery: For complex or persistent cases, we use advanced microsurgical techniques, such as an apicoectomy or root amputation, to address the problem. These procedures allow us to resolve issues that cannot be successfully treated using standard root canal methods.
*Please note that bonding and crown placement are treatments usually performed by your dentist.
Our cutting-edge diagnostic tools, like 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and surgical operating microscopes, enhance precision, allowing us to tailor treatments to your specific needs and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Why Choose Excel Endodontics?
Dr. Halpern is highly skilled in treating traumatic dental injuries for both adults and children, combining advanced training with years of experience. She provides customized care, creating treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. At Excel Endodontics, we leverage state-of-the-art technology, including Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and surgical operating microscopes, to deliver precise diagnoses and practical solutions, even for the most challenging cases.
We understand that dental trauma can be overwhelming, which is why Dr. Halpern and her dedicated team focus on compassionate, patient-centered care. By taking a gentle approach and maintaining open, transparent communication throughout the process, we strive to create a comfortable, stress-free experience for every patient.