Difficulty eating certain foods. The fear that the tooth may begin to fall apart. The embarrassment that a visibly damaged or cracked tooth can cause. Even when not accompanied by much pain, chipped, broken, and cracked teeth create their share of problems. Those immediate concerns are just the beginning. If a tooth is broken open, bacteria can easily get inside it and cause a painful infection that may require advanced treatment like root canals if not addressed. Our orthodontic team at Charlotte Dental Arts can make a tooth strong and whole again with proven treatment for damaged and cracked teeth in Charlotte, NC.
Treatment selection depends on crack location, depth, and symptoms, with options ranging from simple bonding to complex restorative procedures. Minor surface cracks may only require composite bonding, where tooth-colored material fills and seals the fracture, preventing bacteria infiltration and sensitivity. Moderate cracks affecting larger tooth portions often benefit from inlays or onlays, custom restorations covering damaged areas while preserving healthy tooth structure.
Severe cracks reaching the pulp chamber may require endodontic treatment followed by crown placement, addressing both infection risk and structural weakness. When cracks extend below the gum line or split teeth beyond repair, extraction becomes necessary. Our practice offers immediate replacement options including dental implants and dental bridges, restoring function and aesthetics without lengthy healing periods. For patients requiring multiple tooth repairs, we develop phased treatment plans prioritizing urgent needs while planning comprehensive restoration.
Cavity fillings reinforce your teeth, making them strong enough to withstand normal biting pressure after decay or trauma has weakened the tooth. If tooth decay or a cavity is present, we’ll clear it out thoroughly before placing filling material into the empty space and resealing the crown. This will fortify the tooth and preserve your oral health. Fillings come in a variety of materials. We recommend composite fillings in Charlotte, NC to restore your dental aesthetics, because they’re tooth-colored and don’t show through the enamel.
Inlays and onlays perform a function similar to fillings but are used to repair the outside surfaces of your teeth. In many cases these can make placing new crowns on the teeth unnecessary. Inlays restore the middle of the biting surface of the tooth while onlays are used to cover a wider area that includes at least one cusp, the raised areas on the top of the tooth. Inlays and onlays can be color matched to your tooth for a seamless, consistently bright smile.
If your tooth has sustained moderate or severe damage a dental crown can make your smile whole, strong, and attractive again. Crowns, also known as caps, fortify your teeth after they’ve been damaged on the outside or have undergone treatment for root canal infections. Each crown is custom made for your bite and aesthetic specifications.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
