Skip to main content
954-928-1666 Request Appointment Location and Hours

Cracked tooth? Your Fort Lauderdale Cosmetic Dentist has treatment options for your cracked tooth.

Excellence in Dentistry Blog Cracked tooth? Your Fort Lauderdale Cosmetic Dentist has treatment options for your cracked tooth.

There are several types of cracked teeth.  If you suspect a cracked tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. As with any emergency dental visit or toothache, Dr. Wasselle or Dr. Rotroff will first relieve your dental pain. This may be done by numbing the area using local anesthetic.  Your comfort is important. Once you are comfortable,  your Fort Lauderdale dentist will use an x-ray to diagnose the extent of structural damage to your tooth and make treatment recommendations based on the extent of the crack. Treatment may be as simple as a crown, or a root canal if the crack extends to the nerve, or, in more extreme cases, extracting the tooth.  If a tooth extraction is necessary, our dentists have options to  replace your missing tooth including dental bridges and dental implants.

What Are the Signs of a Cracked Tooth

  • Consistent pain or sensitivity when chewing on affected tooth
  • Extra sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweet) foods or liquids

What Are the Causes of a Cracked Tooth

  • Chewing hard things (e.g. nuts, ice) 
  • Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)can lead to  wear and cracks
  • Large existing fillings that have weakened the enamel
  • Trauma

What Are Treatment Options for a Suspected Cracked Tooth?

  • Root Canal: If the crack goes into the nerve chamber of the tooth, a root canal will be necessary.
  • Dental Crown: A dental crown may be placed on the tooth to prevent further structural damage.
  • Filling: Replacing old fillings 
  • Tooth Extraction: Extracting the tooth if it can not be restored
  • Rest: Not all cracks are visible. Rest the tooth by avoiding chewing on that tooth for a while to see if symptoms improve.
  • Bite Adjustment:  Your dentist may adjust your bite to correct the alignment of your bite and evenly distribute it to eliminate irregular pressure
  • Endondontist Referral:  Referral to an endodontic specialist for additional testing to detect a hidden crack

 

Regular checkups with our dentist in Fort Lauderdale can help you avoid a cracked tooth.  Your dentist can see aging fillings and replace them to maintain your tooth's integrity.  If you have a tendancy to clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest a night guard.  If you play contact sports, your dentist may suggest a protective mouthguard.  Of course, we can not always predict when a tooth may break or crack.  Cracked teeth can cause a painful toothache or dental emergency. They can even become infected if not treated. If you have a cracked tooth, don't delay – call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666. Dr. Nancy Rotroff or Dr. Gerard Wasselle will fix your cracked tooth and relieve your pain today.  Select the best cosmetic dentist in Fort Lauderdale to restore your smile.

Excellence in Dentistry

2480 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 2

Fort Lauderdale, FL  33308

You Might Also Enjoy...