Crack in tooth...help!?

Question

I have a hairline crack in one of my bottom front teeth. It does not go down to the gum and isnt very noticible...but I want it fixed. I've heard that bonding will fix it. I have an appointment for 4 weeks from yesterday, what can I do to prevent it from cracking further between now and then?

Answer 1

I think it is probably what dentists refer to as a craze. With a cracked tooth the patient will generally have sharp pain on one side of their mouth when opening & closing their mouth and eating. The patient generally cannot localize which tooth the pain is coming from. Where as a craze does not cause pain, is usually on the front teeth and often form when we get older. "Crazes happen because of the differences between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the enamel and the underlying dentin. When a person switches quickly between eating and drinking hot and cold foods, these two components expand and contract at slightly different rates causing cracks in the more brittle outer layer of enamel. The underlying dentin is less brittle and does not crack. Since the enamel and the dentin are bonded to each other molecule for molecule, there is no danger of the enamel or the tooth breaking." As far as bonding goes that sounds like a good solution. I hope this helps. I am pretty sure it is a craze but once you see the picture if you think its a cracked tooth then you should see your dentist sooner. Good luck!

Answer 2

Definately do not bite into anything with the
tooth. Not even soft things.
Try not to hit it with another tooth when you
chew.
When you sleep, put a mouth guard, or a piece of one, over it in case you grind your
teeth.

Answer 3

I'm a dental assistant, just don't chew on your front teeth, it will be fine. If u chew like food it's ok, just know apples, taffy, anything tuff.