The enamel layer on your teeth has been designed through the process of evolution to be an incredibly hard and durable substance. This serves you well for biting off, chewing and grinding tough foods. Unfortunately, there are situations where a hard fall, or blow to the face can exceed the maximum integrity of the enamel layer on one of more teeth and cause a crack.
Even if the crack has not damaged the sensitive internal structures of the tooth, it can still harbor bacteria and tooth decay in the future. So it’s a good idea to have any cracked tooth examined by Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann to explore your treatment options.
One of the most common methods for repairing a cracked tooth is to have the entire enamel layer replaced by a crown made from either gold, base metals or porcelain.
Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann begins by examining the tooth, and take a few X-rays. This helps to make sure that the pulp and root of the tooth are still healthy and have the structural integrity to anchor a crown. If the damage extends into the pulp or root of the tooth, they might need to perform a root canal.
Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann will then form an abutment, to later anchor your crown, by removing the majority of the tooth enamel.
Then they will take an impression of the abutment, as well as the surrounding teeth. Then a temporary crown is cemented over the abutment to keep it safe.
The impression will be sent to a professional dental lab, where a team of skilled technician will custom craft a crown to restore your tooth.
Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann will call you back in for another appointment when you crown is ready. The temporary crown is removed and your new crown will be cemented in place.
If your cracked tooth is so far gone that a crown isn’t an option, then it’s likely Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann will recommend an implant to replace the tooth. Implants use crowns, and are incredibly long-lasting options for tooth replacement.
If you have a cracked tooth, you should not delay in contacting Dr. Kevin Torbenson, & Drew Neumann at 507-345-1284 to explore your treatment options.