You are chewing your favourite food, and suddenly you feel something hard. You realize it is not the food. A tooth just cracked. This is a very common dental emergency. It can happen to anyone.
When a tooth cracks, a dentist needs to look at the damage right away. A dental clinic near you can check the tooth to see how deep the crack goes. In many cases, a dental crown is the best option.
What Happens When a Tooth Cracks?
Your teeth are very strong, but they can still break under pressure. The outer layer of your tooth is called enamel. Underneath the enamel is a softer layer called dentin. Inside the center of the tooth is the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels.
When you crack a tooth while eating, the damage can vary:
- Craze Lines: These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They do not cause pain and usually do not need treatment.
- Fractured Cusp: This happens when a piece of the chewing surface breaks off. It often hurts when you chew, but it rarely damages the pulp.
- Cracked Tooth: A deeper crack that runs from the chewing surface down toward the root.
If you live in Ontario and experience this, visiting a skilled dentist in Midtown Toronto is the best first step. They can examine the area to prevent the crack from spreading deeper toward the root.
Why a Dental Crown is Used for Cracked Tooth Repair
A dental crown near you for cracked tooth repair is a very reliable treatment. A crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers the damaged tooth. Here is why a crown is often needed:
- It stops the pain: When a tooth cracks, the pieces move when you chew. This movement irritates the pulp inside, causing sharp pain. A crown stops the pieces from moving.
- It prevents infection: A crack opens a doorway for bacteria to enter the tooth. If bacteria reach the pulp, it can cause a severe infection. A crown seals the tooth to keep bacteria out.
- It restores chewing power: A cracked tooth is too weak to chew food. A crown makes the tooth strong again so you can eat normally.
The Treatment Process for a Crown
Fixing a tooth with a crown usually takes a couple of steps. First, the dentist will numb the area so you do not feel pain. Then, they will shape the tooth by removing a small amount of the outer layer. This creates space for the crown to fit over it.
Next, the dentist takes a digital scan or a mould of the tooth’s shape. This ensures the new cap fits perfectly. In the past, patients had to wait weeks for a dental lab to make the permanent cap. Today, some practices offer same-day dental crown treatment options using special computer technology to design and print the crown right inside the dental clinic.
If you are looking for high-quality care, dental crowns in Midtown Toronto ensure advanced treatment to protect your smile. Finding dental crowns near you quickly can save a tooth from being pulled.
Final Thoughts
A cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Ignoring the problem can lead to worse pain or a deep infection that requires a root canal. If you just cracked a tooth, do not wait. Contact a trusted professional to get dental crowns in Midtown Toronto to protect your oral health and keep your smile strong.
Fix Broken Tooth With Crowns
At Hayden Charles Dental Care, we repair broken teeth with strong, natural-looking dental crowns. A crown helps protect a weak or cracked tooth and brings back normal chewing and comfort. We carefully examine each tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment based on your dental needs. Our team uses simple steps and safe dental care to restore your smile.
We are here to help you protect your teeth and improve your oral health. Book your visit today and get quality care from our dental team.
FAQ
Do I need a dental crown if my tooth cracked while eating?
It depends on how deep the crack is. If the crack is deep and causes pain when chewing, a crown is usually necessary to stabilize the tooth and protect it from further damage.
How long does it take to get a dental crown after a tooth cracks?
A traditional crown takes two appointments spaced about two weeks apart. However, modern clinics equipped with digital CAD/CAM systems can design and place a permanent crown in a single visit.
What happens if I delay treatment for a cracked tooth?
Delaying treatment allows the crack to expand. Bacteria will eventually reach the inner nerves, leading to extreme pain, severe tooth decay or an abscess that might require a root canal or complete tooth extraction.
Can a cracked tooth be repaired without a dental crown?
Small cracks may be treated with bonding or filling, but larger cracks often need a crown.
How can I protect my teeth from cracking while eating?
Avoid chewing hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy. If teeth grinding occurs at night, a dentist-made custom nightguard can help protect enamel. In many cases, a dental crown for cracked tooth repair may be needed if damage already exists, as it helps to restore strength and prevent further cracking.
