CRACKED TOOTH

Let Dr. Jon Zoutendam repair your cracked tooth in Traverse City!

Teeth are incredibly strong, but if Jenny was hit in the mouth with a football, or if Johnny fell on the ice, it’s possible that a tooth could have chipped, cracked (fractured) or broken. Call Dr. Jon Zoutendam to assess the damage!

The tooth may not hurt, but the tongue may feel the sharp area. Even if the tooth looks fine, it’s possible that the nerve inside the tooth is damaged. There is no way to treat the tooth at home. See Dr. Zoutendam for your cracked tooth in Traverse City as soon as possible.

In the meantime, try the following self-care measures for your cracked or chipped tooth:

If the tooth is painful, take acetaminophen or another over-the- counter pain reliever.

Rinse your mouth with salt water.

If bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of gauze for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.

If the crack has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin, sugarless chewing gum or temporary dental cement (found at most drugstores) to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek.

If you must eat, eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the cracked tooth.

Treatment for a broken, cracked or chipped tooth will depend on how severely it is damaged. A cracked tooth involves the entire tooth from the chewing surface all the way to the nerve. Although it may not be evident, a crack will gradually spread. In some extreme cases, a root canal may be needed.

Some of Dr.Jon Zoutendam’s treatments for a chipped or cracked tooth in Traverse City include:

Dental Filling or Bonding – If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, Dr. Jon may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, Dr. Jon will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.

Dental Cap or Crown – If a large piece of tooth breaks off or the tooth has a lot of decay, Dr. Jon may grind or file away part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a crown, or tooth-shaped cap, made to protect the tooth and improve its appearance.

Dental Veneers – If the chipped tooth is in the front, a dental veneer can make it look whole and healthy again. A dental veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite material that covers the whole front of the tooth with a thicker section to replace the broken part of the tooth.

At Dr. Jon Zoutendam’s office, our philosophy is to develop long-term patient relationships by providing predictable, quality dentistry in a warm, caring environment. We’re here to serve you and your family to ensure that the dental health of everyone you love is properly maintained.

If you have a cracked tooth in Traverse City, don’t delay! Call Dr. Jon Zoutendam for an appointment today: 231-946-6336.