Dr Neil Zastre Inc.
# 307, 6051 Gilbert Road,
Richmond, BC
V7C 3V3
office 604-273-3415
fax
604-273-4121
Do you need a Crown?
Some of the more common dental problems faced by patients as they age are cracked and broken teeth. A crown fits over the fractured tooth and is designed to hold the tooth together, restoring the original shape, function and appearance of the tooth. Placing a crown over a fractured tooth may or may not involve root canal treatment, depending on how early the problem is discovered and treated.
A tooth often needs to be crowned following root canal therapy. When a root canal is performed on a tooth, the nerve and blood supply are removed from the root and crown area of the tooth. This can cause the tooth to become dehydrated and brittle leaving the tooth very susceptible to breaking. Crowning a tooth is done to prevent it from breaking off and having to be extracted after a root canal has been performed
Every crown is custom made for you and the tooth it will repair!
Types of Fractures:
Cuspal Fracture: When a cusp, or the pointed part of the chewing surface of your tooth, becomes weakened, the cusp may fracture. Part of the cusp may break off or may need to be removed. Depending upon the extent of the fracture, the pulp may also become damaged and a root canal may be required.
Cracked Tooth: This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth vertically toward the root and sometimes below the gum line. A cracked tooth is not completely split into two distinct
Movable Segments: If caught early enough, the tooth is usually crowned but endodontic therapy may be needed at a later date (typically with in the first 6 months).
Split Tooth: A split tooth is a cracked tooth in which the crack has created 2 distinct segments that can be separated from one another. The position and extent of the crack will determine if any portion of the tooth can be saved, but most of these teeth will need to be extracted.
When a tooth begins to crack it will act like a crack in a windshield. Over time the crack will begin to grow or spread. If you wait until the tooth begins to ache, you are much more likely to need a root canal in addition to a crown.
Prevention:
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
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· Don't chew on hard objects such as ice, un-popped popcorn kernels or pens. |
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· Don't clench or grind your teeth. |
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· If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to us about getting a night guard to protect your teeth. |
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· Wear a mouth guard and/or a mask when playing contact sports. |
If you experience symptoms of a fractured or cracked tooth, please contact us immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment will reduce the risk of pain and suffering you may experience if the problem progresses.
Detecting the problem!
Unfortunately, cracked and fractured teeth exhibit a variety of symptoms. Cracks and fractures can be difficult to diagnose because the pain comes and goes, is very inconsistent and because cracks and fractures rarely show up on x-rays. More than one attempt at diagnosing the problem may be required before it is successfully identified.
When the outer hard tissues of a tooth are fractured or cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces and the pulp can become irritated. Often this results in a momentary, sharp pain which eventually progresses to include increased sensitivity. In time the cracked or fractured tooth can begin to hurt on its own.
If your tooth is cracked or fractured, you might feel occasional pain when chewing, particularly between bites as you release the pressure on your teeth. You might also feel pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold. Keep track of your symptoms as they will aid us in diagnosing the problem.
Solving the problem!
Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments.
During your first visit, the tooth is physically shaped and prepared for the crown. An impression (or mold) is made and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. The temporary crown is usually constructed from plastic so it is not very strong. You need to take care not to chew hard or sticky foods with it. The impression is sent to our laboratory where a dental technician constructs your permanent crown.
On your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted, adjusted and cemented into place.
Every crown is custom made for you and the tooth it will repair! Some adjustments may be required during and after the fitting process with our goal being to give you an aesthetic, long lasting tooth every time!