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Implant & Periodontics Solutions in Sun City West, AZ
Implant & Periodontics Solutions
Implant & Periodontics Solutions in Sun City West, AZ
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Home › Dental Services › Cracked Tooth

Cracked Tooth
Illustration of a cracked tooth with a blue background

Understanding Cracked Teeth: What You Need to Know


A cracked tooth can be a source of significant discomfort and concern for many patients. The pain associated with a cracked tooth can vary widely—from sharp, intense pain that makes it difficult to chew or even speak, to a minor annoyance that may go unnoticed until discovered during a dental exam. The extent and location of the crack determine the level of discomfort, the required treatment, and whether the tooth can be saved.

Types of Cracks


Cracks can occur in various ways, and understanding the type of crack in your tooth is crucial for determining the best course of action. Generally, there are several types of cracks that dentists may diagnose:

1.  Fractured Cusp: A small piece of the tooth's chewing surface breaks off, usually due to a filling or excessive biting forces. It may cause some discomfort, but it often doesn't require extraction.
2.  Cracked Tooth: This involves a vertical crack that extends from the chewing surface toward the root of the tooth. Depending on how deep the crack extends, it may or may not lead to more serious issues.
3.  Split Tooth: A tooth that has cracked completely into two pieces is considered split. This typically requires extraction, as such a fracture may compromise the structural integrity and function of the tooth.
4.  Vertical Root Fracture: This type of crack extends through the root of the tooth. If the crack descends into the roots, it usually necessitates extraction to prevent further complications such as pain, infection, or alveolar bone loss.

Signs and Symptoms


Patients may experience various symptoms when dealing with a cracked tooth, depending on its severity and location. Symptoms may include:
•  Sudden pain while chewing or biting
•  Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
•  Discomfort that comes and goes
•  Swelling of the gums around the affected tooth

It's important to consult a dental professional if you experience any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help save the tooth.

Treatment Options


If a cracked tooth is identified during an examination, the treatment options will depend on the type and extent of the crack. Here are some potential treatments that may be recommended:
•  Dental Bonding: For minor cracks, your dentist may apply a composite resin to reinforce the tooth and restore its appearance.
•  Crowns: For more significant cracks, especially those that are diagnosed as cracked teeth but not yet reaching the root, a dental crown may be placed over the tooth to provide strength and stability.
•  Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has exposed the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and alleviate pain.
•  Extraction and Replacement: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved- particularly for vertical root fractures- extraction may be necessary.

Same-Day Dental Implants


If extraction is unavoidable, the good news is that advancements in dental technology allow for the immediate replacement of the tooth. At our practice, we often perform same-day dental implant procedures. This means that after the extraction of a compromised tooth, we can place a dental implant into the extraction socket during the same visit.

In this process, we will also add a bone graft as needed to fill the space between the extraction socket wall and the implant. This helps ensure the stability of the implant and supports healthy bone integration. After placing the implant, we can provide an interim implant crown that closely matches the contour and color of your adjacent teeth. This interim crown allows you to maintain your smile while the implant fuses with the jawbone over the coming months.

Post-Treatment Care


Once you have undergone treatment for a cracked tooth, whether it be through bonding, crowns, or implants, proper aftercare is essential to ensure healing and prevent future issues. This may include:
•  Following all post-operative instructions provided by your dentist
•  Maintaining good oral hygiene practices
•  Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing
•  Avoiding overly hard foods that could strain the affected area

Conclusion


If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, it’s crucial to contact your dental professional as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to save your natural teeth whenever possible and to offer reliable replacement options to restore your smile. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to get the help you need! You can call us at 623-556-5442.


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Mon-Thurs: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Emergencies 7 days a week

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Locations We Serve


Ashton Ranch
El Mirage
Kingswood Parke
Mountain Vista Ranch
Sun City Grand
Sun City
Commercial Core
Surprise Farms
Surprise
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Implant & Periodontics Solutions, 13920 West Camino Del Sol Suite 11, Sun City West, AZ 85375, 623-556-5442, implantandperiodontics.com, 4/3/2025, Associated Words: Periodontist Sun City West AZ,