At Insurance Specialists, Inc. we know that from falling on concrete to chewing ice or hard candy, realizing you have cracked your teeth can be a frightening experience. However with proper the dental procedures, your porcelain smile can be repaired. Below, we talk about dental procedures that are commonly used to repair cracked and broken teeth.
Why Do Teeth Crack & Break?
The enamel on our teeth is the strongest tissue in our bodies, but it can still be broken or cracked in many different ways. Activities like contact sports or even chewing on a pen can result in a broken or cracked tooth. Traumatic falls, crashes, or blows can also cause one’s teeth to be damaged.
The American Dental Association, says the following are the top 9 foods that damage teeth:
- Hard Candies
- Ice
- Citrus
- Coffee
- Dried Fruit
- Potato Chips
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Sports Drinks
Common types of cracked or broken teeth include:
- Craze Lines: Small cracks that only affect the outer enamel
- Fractured Cusp: A piece of the tooth’s chewing surface snaps off
- Split Tooth: A crack with distinct segments that can be pulled apart
- Vertical Root Fracture: Cracks that start at the root of the tooth and extend towards the chewing surface
Dental Bonding
Composite bonding can be used to fix chipped, cracked, decayed, discolored, misshapen, and gapped teeth. Anesthesia usually isn’t needed for this procedure, unless it is being used to fix cavities. During the procedure putty is applied and molded to the tooth. An ultraviolet light is then used to harden the composite. After the drying process, the tooth is shaped and polished to match the others.
Veneers
A veneer is a cover for your tooth. Veneers are bonded to the front of the damaged tooth to make it appear normal. Veneers can be put on multiple teeth, but aren’t the best option for people who grind their teeth.
Crowns
A crown covers the damaged tooth and protects it, while improving its appearance. Having a crown put on your damaged tooth will prevent the need to have it removed. With a crown, you will be able to withstand the pressure of chewing your food.
Dental Implant
If the crack in your tooth goes below your gum line, or if your tooth is no longer treatable, you will likely need a tooth extraction. After your tooth is removed you can have a dental implant put in to replace your lost tooth. These implants are surgically put into your jawbone and will act as the new root of your tooth.
Dental procedures can be quite expensive, which is why having the right dental plan is so important. The Atlanta insurance administrators at Insurance Specialists, Inc. can help you find a dental insurance plan that fits your particular needs. Call (888) 451-0883, to speak with one of our professionals today.