Dental fillings are synonymous with repairing cavities, but you might be unaware that your family dentist can also use this type of treatment for other tooth problems. If you have a crack in one of your teeth, your dentist may be able to treat it with a filling. While a serious crack can often require a dental crown, more moderate cracks are good candidates for fillings. It's important to make a dental appointment promptly if you notice a crack while you're brushing or flossing, because the sooner that you see a dentist, the likelier he or she will be able to treat the damage with a filling.
Assessment Of The Damage
Your dentist will begin the appointment by assessing the severity of the crack. This assessment will help to determine whether he or she can fill the crack with a filling, or perhaps need to resort to another form of treatment. The assessment can involve several steps. Generally, a dentist will perform a careful visual assessment, as well as ask you some questions about the crack. For example, if you notice intense pain from this tooth, it can be an indicator that the crack is deep. The dentist may also take an X-ray of your mouth to further assess the damage.
Grinding Of The Crack
If the dentist believes that a filling with be the proper treatment method for your cracked tooth, he or she will grind a bit of the tooth enamel away. Just as he or she will drill out a cavity before filling the tooth, there needs to be somewhat of a void in the tooth to fill. The dentist cannot simply apply the composite filling material to the surface of the tooth and expect it to remain in place for a long time. Once the dentist has ground enough tooth enamel to eliminate the crack, he or she will fill it.
Repairing The Tooth With A Filling
Getting a filling for a cracked tooth is a process that is similar to getting a filling for a cavity. The dentist will apply the composite material to the void that he or she has made in your tooth, and pack it in firmly. The dentist will then harden the composite with a curing light. Finally, he or she will use a specialized tool to remove excess composite material, and then buff the exterior of the tooth. When the process is finished, your crack will be addressed and you won't even be able to tell that the tooth has gone through a procedure.
Contact a dental service for more help.
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