Did you know that a healthy tooth can take up to 70 lbs. of biting force? Given that incredible strength, you might be wondering why they could crack at all. You might also be curious as to whether or not your cracked tooth has the ability to heal on its own or if it requires an emergency dentist in Edmonton.

Instead of giving you a simple “yes” or “no,” it’s much better if you understand your teeth a little better:

Your teeth grow in your gums and erupt when they’re ready. Despite their strength, the teeth cannot heal themselves nor regenerate. That’s why from the time babies get their first teeth, dentists start reminding parents to take care of their children’s teeth. Even if those aren’t permanent, instilling good oral habits while they’re young can help ensure that they’ll have healthy and strong teeth when they grow up. It’s also for the same reason dentists exert a lot of effort in preserving their patients’ natural teeth.

Why Teeth Cannot Repair Themselves

The reason teeth cannot repair themselves is because their composition is not that of living tissues. They are not bones either, like what many people believe. A tooth is made up of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. The enamel of the tooth, which is its sturdiest part, is actually made of calcium phosphate and serves as the shell protecting the tissues and blood vessels in the tooth pulp that supplies it with calcium.

Why a Tooth Cracks

A cracked tooth may be caused by various reasons, including something as simple as a bad bite or as drastic as a bad accident. You may also crack your teeth when you use them as a tool like a bottle opener or when you have bruxism (teeth grinding). The damage might not look that bad, but it could actually expose the inner layers of the tooth to harmful bacteria. The crack may even get through to the root and lead to tooth loss.

Some of the symptoms that patients who have a cracked tooth experience include:

  • Increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
  • Pain while eating food
  • Throbbing pain
  • Swollen gum

What Are the Treatment Options for Cracked Tooth?

Your dentist will determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the damage to your tooth. Then they’ll decide between these options:

Filling or Bonding – if it’s only a minor crack on the surface of the tooth, then the dentist will just apply a resin (the same colour as your tooth) on the surface to seal the enamel and keep bacteria from getting into the tooth pulp.

Root Canal – If it appears that the crack reached the tooth root, that means your tooth is beyond repair. Your dentist may suggest either an extraction or a root canal. The latter can be done to preserve your natural tooth. Only the tooth root will be removed then filled to prevent infection.

Crowns – Cracks can weaken the tooth enamel, so your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to protect your tooth. This will also ensure that you can eat and chew your food like you normally would.

Conclusion

A cracked tooth cannot repair itself. That’s why you must take care of your teeth and be extra careful when eating hard food. Of course, there may be unexpected circumstances that could lead to a cracked tooth, like an injury. If your tooth is cracked, contact your dentist in Edmonton immediately to have it treated.

If you want an Edmonton emergency dentist with a stellar reputation, choose Edmonton Smiles. Whether it’s an emergency dental case or a preventive care service you need, we can take care of your teeth. Contact us today to set an appointment!

Posted in Dental News & Advice