Saving a Cracked Tooth

Saving a Cracked Tooth

Root canals aren't just used to treat inflamed or infected teeth. The therapy, performed by Dr. Ron Solomon, Dr. Angela Burleson-Ott, and Dr. Bradley Girdwood of Cornerstone Dental Group in Cincinnati, OH, also helps cracked teeth.

How do cracks affect your teeth?

A crack in your tooth may seem like a minor problem. Unfortunately, even a small crack can weaken your tooth and make it more likely to break eventually. Cracks also allow bacteria to enter your teeth, causing tooth decay.

When a tooth is cracked, it may move a little when you chew. Over time, the motion of the tooth can irritate and inflame your tooth pulp. Unfortunately, once the soft pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed, root canal therapy is the only option. Pulp inflammation can cause pain, particularly when you chew or eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. If the pulp becomes abscessed, the bacterial infection can spread throughout your body via your bloodstream.

When are root canals needed?

Root canals may be recommended during your visit to the Cincinnati dental office if the crack has begun to irritate your pulp or your dentist is concerned that the crack may worsen. If the crack grows bigger and reaches the root of a tooth, removing the tooth is the only option. Fortunately, root canal therapy will help you avoid these problems.

The therapy involves removing the pulp and replacing it with a durable filling. Once the pulp is removed, your dentist will clean the tooth and add antibiotics to prevent infection. She'll also clean and shape the root canals, the small pathways that extend the length of the tooth. Adding a tiny post to the tooth strengthens it and provides extra support for the crown that will be added to the top of the tooth.

Before the crown is placed on your tooth, your dentist builds up the area around the post with composite resin, a flexible material that hardens when exposed to a curing light. Cementing the crown onto your tooth, the final step in the process, strengthens and supports your tooth.

Don't put your smile at risk. Restore your cracked teeth with root canals. Call (513) 631-8920 to schedule an appointment with your dentists in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Solomon, Dr. Burleson-Ott, and Dr. Girdwood of Cornerstone Dental Group.

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