Did you know that worn teeth, chipped teeth, and broken teeth can be an indication of an underlying functional problem? Most times, an injury causes a cracked tooth or a broken tooth. However, teeth that break repeatedly (even after treatment) are commonly due to an undiagnosed dental condition.
Teeth that are not in proper alignment are more likely to break, chip, and wear. Chronic teeth grinding can leave teeth worn, chipped, or broken and even affect the health of the gums. Cracked teeth are one of the dental concerns Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry treats in Baltimore and Baltimore County, Maryland.
Chronically Broken Teeth Repair
If you have broken teeth or teeth that break over and over, even after treatment from your dentist in Baltimore, you may have an underlying functional problem. Many times, functional problems in the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, cause broken teeth. It is possible to experience no other signs or symptoms of TMJ dysfunction aside from worn down or broken teeth.
Ideally, all of your teeth should make contact with each other and with the same force as you bite or chew. However, in cases of TMJ dysfunction, improper alignment of the jaw joints or teeth cause teeth to make contact out of alignment with others. Thus causing premature wear and broken teeth.
Our teeth repair services are treatments for damaged teeth and worn down teeth from tooth grinding, tooth clenching, injury, or chewing on hard objects. The treatment is not cosmetic and will be more difficult to reverse if the teeth continue to break. Some symptoms of broken teeth are pain in the teeth, sensitivity in the teeth, and bleeding of the gums.
The treatments start with making impressions of the teeth so that we can create a custom-fitted appliance to help hold your mouth in place. Your dentist will then fit this appliance with a special composite resin, which helps restore your tooth’s natural shape and strength.
If your broken tooth is too severe to fix, we may recommend getting a dental implant procedure to replace the tooth.
Chipped Tooth Repair in Baltimore
If you have a single chipped tooth or cracked tooth due to an injury or accident, we offer several quick treatment options. Our goal is to repair your chipped or cracked tooth as quickly as possible with the least amount of dentistry.
It is very important to repair your chipped tooth as soon as possible. You will avoid further damage, or even losing the tooth. Bacteria or debris can enter the cracked area and cause an infection that will require a root canal or extraction.
If an infection enters the tooth, it will create a lot of inflammation and pain around your root canal. You should consider getting a painless root canal procedure to relieve the pain. Addressing the cracked, chipped or damaged tooth before infection enters will save you from a lot of pain and distress.
Composite tooth bonding can repair most cracks and chips. A simple chipped tooth repair may include composite tooth bonding. Dr. Lazer will apply a dental resin to the tooth and sculpt it into shape for a seamless repair. For teeth that have more significant damage, Dr. Lazer may use porcelain veneers or dental crowns to repair the tooth for a natural look and feel.
Dr. Lazer is one of a handful of dentists in Baltimore to integrate CEREC technology into his dental office for same-day dental restorations. We can fix your chipped tooth in a single dental visit to avoid the need for a temporary restoration and another trip to our office.
Cracked Teeth FAQs
Learn more about cracked teeth and related problems with answers to these common questions:
Can cracked teeth cause problems?
Cracked teeth can cause future problems for patients. Cracked teeth can increase the risk of headaches, bad breath, gum disease, TMJ issues, and tooth decay. The spaces between the cracks harbor bacteria and are hard to clean with regular brushing and flossing.
What causes teeth to grow cracked?
Teeth may grow cracked for a variety of reasons. For example, due to the size of a patient’s jaw, calcium deficiencies, and the types of medications a patient is taking for other health reasons. Having cracked teeth is not always your fault, and no one should judge you for it.
Do cracked teeth get worse over time?
Over time, cracked teeth may become more damaged and get worse. Cracks in teeth do not heal on their own because tooth enamel does not grow back. It may be a slow and painful process as they get worse.
What happens if you leave a cracked tooth untreated?
If you leave a cracked tooth untreated it can lead to teeth shifting, tooth decay, and possibly loss of the tooth. Patients may also experience sharp and achy pain if they choose not to treat a cracked tooth.
Can cracked teeth heal on its own?
Cracked teeth will not heal on their own. Damaged tooth enamel cannot grow back or repair itself. Dentists have many options to fix and repair cracked teeth such as tooth bonding, dental veneers, and dental crowns.
Does a cracked tooth cause pain?
Pain when biting and chewing, as well as sensitivity to heat or cold are common symptoms of fractured teeth. If this type of pain is chronic it may be a sign that you have a cracked or broken tooth.
How do I know if I have an infection in my cracked tooth?
Signs that your cracked tooth has an infection include throbbing, sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink, pain while chewing, and a fever. If you leave your cracked tooth alone, it puts you at a much higher risk for further infection and tooth loss.
Can a cracked tooth give you a headache?
Yes. The nerves within a tooth incur damage if the crack reaches them. This may cause tooth discomfort and chronic headaches or frequent migraines.
Schedule A Consultation with Our Dentist in Baltimore Today
If you are trying to find a dentist in Baltimore, MD to take care of your complex dental problems including broken or worn teeth, contact Dr. Lazer or Dr. Doroshenko in Owings Mills, MD. We gladly welcome new patients and out of town patients. Call us at (410) 697-6290 or request a consultation online today.