Imagine you got yourself some of your favorite hard candies after a long day. The sweet treat might be the pick-me-up you need, and you are happily enjoying it. You bite into one, but then something doesn’t feel right. You run to the mirror and notice that you accidentally cracked a tooth! Whether from food or an accident, this situation in general can be worrying. You might wonder if the issue will fix itself, but here’s why you should call your emergency dentist to get it back to great shape.
Can My Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
To make a long story short, a cracked tooth can’t heal on its own. That’s because the outer layer of your teeth, your enamel, is non-living. It doesn’t have any blood vessels or bone marrow in it, so it can’t regrow after it’s been damaged. This goes for tiny surface cracks to deeper ones. Regardless, your dentist is here to help you get it back into great shape and restore its function and appearance.
Is My Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
A cracked tooth is a dental emergency that you will need to get checked out. Depending on how severe it is, the inner pulp may be exposed to harmful bacteria. If they reach it, an infection might develop, which also calls for an urgent visit!
That said, if you do have tiny damage, they can sometimes be harmless, but they affect the integrity of the structure. So, routine checkups will make sure they aren’t going to be any trouble.
How Can My Dentist Fix My Cracked Tooth?
Although a cracked tooth can’t heal on its own, your dentist is here to restore its appearance and function. If it’s minor, then a filling can be beneficial. Using composite resin, it’s placed on the structure, effectively sealing off the inner pulp from bacteria. Veneers can also be considered if the issue is only cosmetic.
If the damage is more severe, then a crown may be needed instead. This is a cap that gives back the function and appearance, while being durable as well. If bacteria have gotten inside the tooth or there’s already an infection, then a root canal may be needed to protect and save it.
With that said, there are serious, rare instances where an extraction is needed. Your dentist will first exhaust all other options before choosing this one. That way, you can preserve your grin and keep it strong.
About the Author
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner earned his dental degree from SUNY Buffalo Dental School. He has over 500 hours of continuing education, allowing him to give the Austin community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Pevzner is proud to offer same-day urgent visits for when you find yourself in a dental emergency, like a cracked tooth. That way, you get the relief you deserve as soon as possible. If you have damaged your smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (512) 451-4412.