Westlake Family Dentistry treats, prevents and resolves Cracked Teeth

If you break your tooth while playing sports or as the result of a fall or another accident, the trauma can be obvious. But Westlake Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, Oregon has treated patients who had cracked teeth – and they didn’t even know it! We encourage you to regularly visit our friendly dental team, led by Dr. Brad Sievert. These visits are important to pinpoint problems when we can still “save” your natural tooth and avoid the cost, pain, and time associated with more invasive, extensive restoration treatments.

Telltale signs of a broken tooth?

Again, you may have cracks or fractures that require treatment and not even know it. However, there are some characteristic symptoms associated with breakage to a tooth. These signs include:

  • Pain that comes and goes when biting down on food
  • Elevated sensitivity or discomfort when drinking or eating hot or cold foods and beverages
  • Lingering tenderness after relaxing the mouth (following biting down)

Many problems can lead to weakened tooth structure and make teeth vulnerable to cracks. These problems do not simply arise from contact sports or sports-related dental injuries. With that being said, though, Dr. Sievert works with patients to prevent what he can; in this case, he can minimize injuries caused by contact with objects during sports with a custom mouthguard. These guards afford the ultimate in protection and are also comfortable to wear when running, jumping, throwing, kicking, or otherwise exerting yourself. Other habits or conditions that can make your teeth susceptible to breakage include:

  • Untreated enamel erosion or decay
  • Biting down on hard objects, such as pencils or ice
  • Chronic tooth-grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching

We can make yet another type of oral appliance, known as a nightguard, to protect your teeth from wear and tear caused by bruxism, too. Often, bruxism shows up during dental exams as chips and flat surfaces. But it can progressively weaken teeth to the point where their structural integrity is threatened.

Various types of cracks, various treatments

Not all fractures originate and manifest in the same way; for instance, superficial chips to the outermost layer of the tooth (the protective enamel) may only require cosmetic dental bonding or porcelain veneers to disguise the chipped areas and add strength. However, as the outermost layers of the teeth erode, the process can make the inner pulp tissue vulnerable. When the soft, nervy center of the tooth is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be necessary to preserve the tooth and to restore the health and function of the tooth. In fact, this nonsurgical therapy may be the only way to avoid extractions and the loss of teeth.

Do not delay in contacting us should you suspect there is something wrong with your tooth or if it’s been a while since your last appointment. Schedule your visit to our office by calling (503) 386-4164.