Comprehensive Care for Cracked and Chipped Teeth at Berwick Dental Clinic
General Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontics
Children’s Dentistry
Your teeth are incredibly strong, yet they can still crack, chip, or fracture. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we provide exceptional cracked or chipped tooth treatment. Understanding the causes of these dental issues is the first step towards prevention. They can crack or chip occur due to several reasons, such as biting down on hard food or objects, injuries from sports, falls, or accidents, and even grinding your teeth at night.
Identifying Different Types of Tooth Damage
The type of treatment you need depends on the kind of tooth damage you have. There are several types of cracks or chips that can affect your teeth:
Craze Lines:
These are minuscule cracks on the surface of your teeth which only affect the outer enamel and are usually of little concern. They are often superficial and may not cause pain or require treatment. However, they can be a cosmetic issue for some people as they might catch stains over time, leading to discoloured lines on your teeth.
Fractured Cusp:
This type of damage happens when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling. It does not usually damage the pulp of the tooth (the soft inner part) and therefore does not typically cause much pain.
Cracked Tooth:
A cracked tooth is no joke. It’s a serious form of tooth damage where a crack extends from the chewing surface down towards the root. Even if it’s hard to spot, the discomfort can be substantial, especially when you eat or encounter hot/cold sensations. Don’t ignore it—seek dental help right away.
Split Tooth:
A split tooth is commonly the outcome of a cracked tooth that has been left untreated over an extended period. As time passes, the crack gradually widens and eventually causes the tooth to break apart into two separate pieces. Experiencing a split tooth can be quite painful and generally calls for more in-depth treatment options. Procedures provided by the experts at Berwick Dental Clinic such as root canal therapy or even tooth extraction may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and ward off potential infection.
Vertical Root Fracture:
These are cracks that start down in the root of the tooth and extend upwards towards the chewing surface. They are often the most challenging to identify because they show minimal symptoms and are not visible in the early stages. Over time, vertical root fractures can lead to serious complications like an abscess or loss of the tooth if not treated properly.
Spotting the Signs of a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Identifying the signs of a cracked or chipped tooth early can be crucial in preventing further dental damage. The symptoms of such dental issues can differ greatly, influenced by factors such as the size and location of the crack or chip, and whether it has extended into the gum line.
You might notice this pain only when eating certain types of food or when biting in a specific way. This happens because chewing can cause the cracked pieces of your tooth to move, irritating the inner soft tissues of the tooth.
Another typical sign is an increased sensitivity to temperature changes and sweet foods. If your tooth hurts when you consume hot, cold, or sweet items, it could be because the crack has exposed the dentin or pulp of the tooth, where the nerves are located.
Swelling of the gums around the affected tooth is another symptom to watch out for. This can occur if the crack has extended into the root, causing inflammation or infection in the surrounding tissues.
Finally, you may experience intermittent discomfort that comes and goes but does not entirely disappear. This sporadic pain can make it more difficult to determine which tooth is causing the problem, especially if the crack is small or hidden.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to seek professional dental advice promptly. Early detection and treatment of a cracked or chipped tooth can prevent further complications and help maintain your oral health.
Deciphering Between a Chipped and Cracked Tooth
Recognising the difference between a chipped and a cracked tooth is crucial in determining the right course of treatment. While both conditions involve damage to the tooth, they present distinct characteristics that require unique approaches for repair.
A chipped tooth refers to a situation where a small piece of the tooth’s hard, outer enamel has been broken off. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as biting down on something hard or a minor accident. Chipped teeth may not always cause pain, but depending on the size of the chip and its location, it can affect the appearance of your smile and potentially lead to bigger dental issues if left untreated.
On the other hand, a cracked tooth involves a line of damage that has run down the tooth, often extending from the chewing surface towards the root. Cracks can vary in size, and they may be invisible to the naked eye or show up on an X-ray.
Unlike chips, cracks can cause significant discomfort, especially when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. If not treated promptly, a crack can spread and worsen, leading to more serious dental problems, including potential loss of the tooth.
In essence, understanding whether you have a chipped or cracked tooth is the first step in seeking appropriate dental care. Both conditions can impact your oral health and should be addressed by a dental professional to prevent further complications.
Knowing When to Consult a Dentist
Don’t ignore a cracked or chipped tooth. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we’re here to help. Our cutting-edge technology guarantees top-notch care. We’ll diagnose and treat your tooth using advanced tools and techniques, preventing pain, infection, and potential tooth loss, including:
3D Printing Dental Surgical Guides:
This tool is like a roadmap for dental implants (if required). It fits over your teeth and guides our dentists to the exact spot where an implant is needed. This means the placement of your implant is more accurate, safer and gives us predictable, excellent results.
Digital Scanners:
Our digital scanners create a highly precise 3D model of your mouth. This helps us in creating perfectly fitting crowns and orthodontic treatments. Not only that, these scans also help us spot any issues with your teeth and gums early, so we can create the most effective treatment plan for you.
In simpler terms, our advanced technology ensures your treatment is precise, effective and tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain a healthy and confident smile.
Take the First Step Towards Restoring Your Smile Today
If you’re dealing with a cracked or chipped tooth, don’t wait. Reach out to Berwick Dental Clinic, and let us restore your smile. We accept CDBS and are preferred providers for HCF as well as members of the SMILE fee group. For your convenience, we provide diverse payment options: Afterpay, Openpay, ZIP, HUMM, in-house direct debit payments for orthodontic treatment, and Superannuation release.
Contact us today at (03) 9707 3227 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment. Let us provide you with the best cracked or chipped tooth treatment in Berwick.