Can fractured teeth be saved?

Ans. The fractured tooth is a chipped, cracked or broken down part in the crown portion of the tooth. The outer layers of the tooth i.e. enamel and dentine, protect the inner soft tissue, pulp, nerves and blood vessels. The treatment depends upon the size of the crack or fracture. However, if the fracture extends below gum line, then there is no treatment for that, and it will need to be extracted. According to the extension of crack, your dentist will recommend one among the following:

Bonding and restoration: In this treatment, dentist uses a plastic resin to fill the crack, and restore its looks. A dental crown or cap is a prosthesis made from porcelain or ceramic. The dentist will first do the tooth preparation of cracked tooth and then take an impression. This customized crown will fit by the cements over the tooth.

Root canal treatment: When the crack extends to the pulp or pulp chamber, then the dentist will recommend a root canal treatment, to get rid of damage pulp and restore integrity to the tooth. This procedure will take two to three sittings.

Extraction: When fracture extends till and beyond the gum line, the tooth will go for extraction. No treatment option available for that.

No treatment: Many people have hairline, tiny fracture within the enamel; there is no need of treatment till further extension.