We are not a registered Medicare/Medicaid Provider
Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown in Denville, NJ
When you crack a tooth, there are multiple tools and techniques to repair the damage. However, there is one option that stands above the rest: the dental crown. A crown is a cap, typically consisting of porcelain that matches the shape and size of the tooth. The crown acts as a strong cover that protects the tooth from infection and losing the tooth.
Without the crown, the tooth will not even be able to handle the pressure of chewing. It is important to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible by seeking treatment from a professional endodontist.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth
To understand the symptoms of a cracked tooth, it is crucial to understand that the teeth have layers. The outer layer is known as the enamel, followed by the dentin and then the pulp. The dental pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp begins to move around or the crack is severe enough to damage the pulp, you will begin to feel intense pain. Symptoms of a crack in a tooth:
- Erratic pain resulting from chewing
- Pain when releasing biting pressure
- Pain from consuming something hot or cold
- Inconsistent pain that seems to come and go with certain actions
- Difficulty finding the tooth that is causing the discomfort
Since it can be difficult to identify the source of the pain beyond the teeth, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. When one cracks the outer layer of the tooth, there is a possibility of the inner parts of the tooth moving around and causing irritation. In other cases, the crack can be deep enough that an infection forms in the dental pulp.
Without specialized treatment, the infection will spread to the bones and surrounding gums, causing a specialist to have to consider extracting teeth in serious cases. Fortunately, you can avoid all of those issues by seeking professional treatment from an endodontist. If you seek treatment to repair a tooth before the crack allows an infection into the tooth, then a dental crown will be the most effective fix.
The dental crown process
By customizing the crown, the endodontist can ensure that the crown fits properly on the tooth and the surrounding teeth. Not only will the crown protect the tooth, it will also have the appearance of a natural tooth. This way, people will not be able to notice that it is artificial in the first place. In order to place a dental crown, the patient will have to make at least two appointments.
During the first appointment, we will take measurements and a mold of the tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may need to remove a bit more of the tooth to place the crown. However, it may be better to place the crown without altering the tooth further. If the endodontist offers Same-Day Dentistry, then you will be able to get the crown that day. Otherwise, a dental lab will then customize the crown to the exact specifications of the mold. Once the crown is complete, the patient will return for a second appointment to place the crown.
The endodontist will place the crown and cement it in place. This way, the patient will be able to eat and use the tooth without worry. Contrary to popular belief, you will not need to stop eating your favorite foods with a dental crown. However, you may need to come in for some maintenance every few years.
Taking care of a dental crown
Since a dental crown is artificial, you will not need to worry about the crown becoming infected. However, you will need to continue cleaning the teeth and gums, being sure to keep any food from sticking to the crown. It is also beneficial to avoid biting down directly on anything that is too hard and avoid causing other damage.
By having an endodontist repair your tooth, you will not have to worry about the dental crown falling out or becoming loose. A dental crown is an effective solution to repair the cracked tooth in most cases. However, if a more invasive procedure is necessary, then an endodontist is the best place to be.
If you are struggling with a chipped or cracked tooth, do not hesitate to call today. It is crucial to seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Thanks to the easy level of care a dental crown requires, few people experience any difficulties with their dental crowns. Seek treatment today to save your tooth tomorrow.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
Questions Answered on This Page
Definition of Invisalign® Terminology
Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.
Retainers
Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.
Blue Compliance Indicator
(Invisalign® Teen) The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
