Can A Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
Have you ever wondered if a damaged tooth can heal on its own? If our skin and bones can heal, shouldn’t our teeth do the same? The fact that more and more people are looking for natural ways to care for themselves is taking them to this question! While it would be nice to have them fully healed on their own after sustaining damage, it’s not a good idea to rely on natural remedies when it comes to dental health. This blog will go over whether or not a cracked tooth can heal on its own and why it’s always best to see your dentist.
Can A Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
First things first! Can a cracked tooth heal on its own? The straightforward answer is no. A cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Unlike your bones, which have a lot of blood vessels, tooth enamel does not have any blood supply and is not able to repair itself when damaged. You cannot simply wait for the crack to heal on its own. The inability of our teeth to regenerate or redevelop has a lot to do with their composition. Our teeth develop inside our mother’s womb within the first six months of pregnancy. Unlike popular belief, our teeth are not bones. The tooth enamel is made of calcium phosphate. It is often mistaken as bone since it also requires calcium for a strong and healthy growth. However, our teeth are not made of living tissues and blood vessels, so they cannot regenerate and heal themselves like our bones.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be the result of an injury or a bad bite. The damage can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria. In the worst cases, it can result in the loss of the tooth. Causes of cracked teeth include:
- A bad bite
- Injury or trauma
- Using your teeth as a tool
- Teeth grinding
- Sudden change in temperatures from drinking hot and cold beverages
- Weak tooth due to old age
The most common symptoms that enable patients to realize that their tooth is cracked includes:
- Tooth sensitivity due to hot and cold beverages/food
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Gum inflammation and swelling
- Throbbing pain
Treatments
If you have a cracked tooth, it will require medical attention. Depending on the scope of the damage, a different treatment may be required. A dentist will have to inspect the crack to check if it is mild or if it has reached the crucial part of the root. Dental treatments for different types of cracked teeth include:
- Filling or Dental Bonding – If you have a minor crack or a fractured cusp in the chewing surface of your tooth, it can still be saved by your dentist. Resin will be used to fill your teeth and seal the tooth enamel and prevent bacteria from affecting the pulp.
- Crowns – If the crack on the tooth weakens the tooth enamel, your dentist will recommend a dental crown to protect your weak tooth and restore the ability to chew your food properly. Crowns will return your tooth’s usability like it was never damaged before.
- Root Canal – If the crack of your tooth reaches the root, your tooth is beyond repair. While tooth extraction is an option, your dentist will most likely recommend a root canal. It will save your natural tooth by removing the damaged tooth root and replacing it with a special filling.
How Carmichael Dentistry Can Help Restore Your Cracked Tooth
While your cracked tooth may not heal on its own, the expert team at Carmichael Dentistry can help prevent it from falling apart. The sooner you get your cracked tooth checked, the higher the chances that it can be saved! Don’t let it get any worse! Carmichael Dentistry provides filling, crowns, root canal, and other dental restorations in Carmel Mountain Rd. To get your cracked tooth checked, give us a call at (858) 484-2560 or click here to schedule an appointment.
