There are worse things that can happen to a tooth than it being cracked. For instance, it could be broken, or completely knocked out of its socket. However, if you don’t treat your cracked tooth as soon as possible, then it will get worse and require extensive restoration. In severe cases, it might even be lost. At our office, we offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative treatments that can fix your cracked tooth and restore its strength before the damage becomes too severe.

A Lifelike Dental Crown

In many cases, a dental crown is the best way to treat a tooth that has suffered structural damage, like a fracture or break. A dental crown is custom designed to mimic your natural tooth’s size, shape, contour, and color. The crown can be placed over the tooth, completely covering and protecting it to prevent the fracture from growing worse. With a custom, lifelike dental crown, you can alleviate the discomfort of a cracked tooth, restore your bite’s full function, and improve your smile’s overall appearance.

Partial Crowns (i.e., Inlays and Onlays)

For a tooth that is cracked, but not severely enough to warrant a complete dental crown, Dr. Burds may recommend a partial crown, or inlay/onlay. Made from lifelike dental porcelain, partial crowns cover only the portion of your tooth that is damaged, rather than the entire tooth. An inlay specifically covers the region at the center of your tooth’s chewing surface, while an onlay can extend over one or more cusps of the tooth. Placing a partial crown helps you preserve a maximum amount of your healthy tooth structure by avoiding the need to prepare the whole tooth for a complete crown.

Fix Your Cracked Tooth with Custom Treatment

If your tooth is cracked, then Dr. Burds can help you find the most appropriate treatment after a careful examination. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.