In the following summary The Implant Dentists discuss why Tooth Extraction can sometimes be the only option for a badly Cracked Tooth. Commonly asked questions that are often asked by patients who face this situation are addressed, as well as options for tooth replacement are discussed.
Dental Implant restorations are considered the ideal way to replace a badly cracked tooth because they are the closest alternative to natural teeth.
If you have any further questions please feel free to sign up on the right-hand-side box to ask your Dental Implant Question.
We are also happy to see you for a consultation regarding any Dental Implant or Cracked Tooth treatment.
The Difference between Simple and Complex Cracks in Teeth
Cracks in teeth can either be horizontal which are simple to fix, or vertical which are more complex.
If a crack is running in a horizontal direction then the cracked part of the tooth is above the gum level and therefore can be simply removed and then restored with a filling or a Dental Crown. (Remember, a dental crown is recommended in circumstances when more the 60% of the tooth requires filling.)
However if the crack is vertical in nature and it is shown to also be running towards the middle of the tooth then this is more complex because the only thing that can be done is to extract badly cracked teeth with the option of replacing any Missing Teeth.
Why do Teeth with Complex Cracks have to sometimes be Removed?
You are now aware that complex cracks run underneath the gum level. When this is the case AND the crack has also already propagated towards the middle the tooth, then the crack cannot be sealed (with either a filling or dental crown) to prevent further cracking and leaking of bacteria towards the nerve of the tooth. Initially bone shrinkage will occur in the area of the crack and eventually a Tooth Abscess will develop as a result of spread of the infection to the middle of the tooth. For this reason the only option is for Tooth Removal to prevent spread of infection and allow the best success of any future Dental Implant option to replace the Missing Tooth.
If you have any doubt as to whether or not a tooth is cracked then The Implant Dentists will be able to see you for consultation and discuss the treatment options you have.
Will a Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crown Fix a Cracked Tooth?
You may wonder if a root canal can be done to avoid removing a tooth with a complex vertical fracture. A root canal may work in the short term to prevent an Infected Tooth, however the crack will still be present underneath the gum and it will only be a matter of time before bacteria continues to leak into the root canal space and therefore reinfect the area. For this reason the only option for a badly cracked tooth is for it to be removed.
What are my Options once the Cracked Tooth has been Removed?
If you are considering to replace missing teeth at any time in the future, then the ideal option would be to replace it with a Dental Implant. Dental Implants are the closest thing to you own natural teeth. They replace natural Function (important in the molar and premolar region) and Appearance (important where your teeth are visible). Another benefit of Dental Implants is that they will help to maintain the position of neighbouring and opposing teeth, compared to if a cracked tooth was removed and not replaced at all. A third advantage is that Dental Implants will help to maintain the level of the underlying bone over time. Without a natural tooth or Dental Implant in place, it has been shown that the bone (and gum) will shrink over time.
The other options for replacement of a cracked tooth are a Dental Bridge or Removable Partial Dentures.
What Decisions do I have to Make Now and How will this Influence my future Teeth Replacement Options?
It is important to think about whether or not you will consider replacing the tooth after it has been removed. If there is any chance you may like to replace the tooth, whether it be relatively straight away, or some time in the future months or years, then this is important to know as it influences what recommendations you should follow.
The main thing to remember is that if you are considering a Dental Implant at any time in the future, then the best thing to do is have a tooth which is badly cracked removed as soon as possible. The reason for this is because a tooth with a complex vertical fracture will with time cause detrimental bone loss in the vicinity of the crack as well as a tooth abscess.
What influences whether a Dental Implant is placed soon after Tooth Removal, or some time afterwards?
If you’re thinking of having a Dental Implant and have the tooth out, you are not necessarily committed to having the Implant placed straight away. Your options are:
1. Have a Dental Implant placed within 6-8 Weeks of the cracked tooth being removed.
This is the ideal timeframe in which Dental Implants can be placed.
2. Have a Dental Implant placed within 6-12 Months after tooth removal.
If you need to delay the placement of a Dental Implant (for example, due to the higher initial Dental Implants Cost), then it is possible to prevent the neighbouring and opposing teeth changing position (for example, shifting or over-erupting into the missing tooth space), by using temporary dental bonding techniques.
3. Have a Dental Implant more than 12 months afterwards.
This may be the case if you are thinking of having a Dental Implant at some time in future but didn’t want to go to the expense right now.
If so, you may opt to replace a missing tooth in the mean time with a partial denture.
In this situation Bone Grafting is more likely required to replace any bone that may have shrunken if you decide to have a Dental Implant at a later stage.
* * *
If you have any further questions regarding Dental Implants or Cracked Teeth, we are happy to help you.
Please Contact us at The Implant Dentists for any further assistance or to arrange a Consultation.
Replace One or More Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
No related posts.
This is wonderful post