Ben and Gary Show - Episode 5
May 29, 2018
Broken and Cracked Teeth
In this episode, the doctors discuss the diagnosis and repair of cracked and broken teeth.
What Is The Difference Between A Cracked Or Broken Tooth?
A cracked tooth is where a tooth has incompletely splintered but no part of the tooth has yet broken off. Cracks may not be visible.
A broken tooth is where a portion of the tooth has chipped off.
How Are Cracked And Broken Teeth Evaluated?
There are several steps in the evaluation of cracked and broken teeth -
- Asking how it occurred
- Asking what are symptoms
- Removing the damaged portion to assess
- Visual inspection
- Imaging studies in 3D if necessary
- Consult if nerve damage is suspected
How Is The Crack or Broken Tooth Damage Repaired?
The restoration of cracked or broken teeth depends on the extent of the damage -
- Filling
- Partial crown (Onlay)
- Crown
- Root canal if nerve damage occurred, then crown
Th doctors always try to save the damaged tooth. If the crack or fracture damage goes below the gum line, the tooth may have to be extracted and repaired with -
- Implant
- Bridge
If you have questions for the doctors, select the blue 'ask a question' box, or click here.
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