When a tooth become cracked or chipped, treatment is crucial. Otherwise the risk of painful infections or even lost teeth increase with time. In order to safeguard smiles of all ages from these issues, your Gary, IN, dentist may offer a dental crown to repair cracked or chipped teeth, protecting the smile and providing a lifelike restoration.

The Risks Associated With Chipped and Cracked Teeth

Let’s say you chip a tooth and the damage appears minimal. Then not seeing the dentist is no big deal right? Well, even minor damage comes with the risk of exposed dentin. The inner structure making up most of your tooth, dentin is very sensitive to bacteria, so when bacteria encounters dentin a cavity forms and the risk of dental infection grows. Damage or poor oral hygiene, which erodes enamel, could allow bacteria to reach the dentin and harm your overall oral health. You may then experience toothaches and tooth sensitivity as the decay grows worse and the risk of infection becomes more likely. If you break a tooth, rinse with warm water and take a pain reliever. Then see us as soon as possible. A cold compress against the side of your face can control swelling, and a bit of gauze or cloth can stem bleeding.

Dental Crowns

While dental bonding can often address minor damage in one visit, serious breakage or fractures need a crown. A dental crown fits over the visible portion of your tooth and is custom-made to ensure a natural appearance and the ability to absorb bite forces and pressure. We remove structure from the tooth and take detailed impressions and images. We then create the restoration and place it in a follow-up visit. Routine homecare and office visits can help protect the restored tooth and ensure your repair lasts for many years to come.

Preventing Future Damage

To avoid damage, be sure you don’t chew on hard objects like ice, pencils, and pens. If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from chips and fractures. We can help by creating a custom-made mouthguard that provides greater protection than most store-bought options. If you have any questions or if you have a damaged tooth in need of repair, then contact our team today. With the end of the year around the corner, you can use your hard-earned dental insurance benefits before they expire and before you’re stuck in a waiting period from your insurance company.

Don’t Ignore That Damaged Tooth

We can help provide a durable and attractive repair for your cracked or chipped tooth. To learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry, schedule your visit with Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Gary, IN, today by calling 219-938-2637.