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One thing that can provide you with quite a shock is the realization that you have a cracked tooth. For some, the crack is so hard to detect that unless you’re in the right type of lighting, it goes unnoticed. For others, biting into a hard piece of food can create a significant and extremely obvious crack! This distinction leaves patients somewhat confused about whether cracks are benign or dangerous, how to figure this part out, and what to do about tooth cracks. Your Riverside dentist wants to examine this common topic a bit, so you feel confident about protecting your teeth.

Some Cracks Are Okay

It’s important to understand that some “cracks” are only an esthetic concern. If you look closely at your teeth – particularly under direct lighting – and you see faint cracks (they may appear darker), you might be seeing something we refer to as craze lines. They are minor, hairline cracks that do not pose a threat to your oral health. However, if you find them unsightly, your Riverside dentist may address these tooth cracks with cosmetic treatment.

Some Cracks Need Attention

If you’re dealing with a serious tooth crack – not just a craze line – it’s important that you schedule an appointment with us. Cracks expose deeper tissue layers (and often the internal body of your tooth) to bacteria, which may cause infection. Once infection takes place within your tooth, you generally require endodontic care, such as a root canal. Keep your smile healthy by letting your Riverside dentist know about injuries immediately.

Avoiding Cracks Is Possible

You can generally avoid serious tooth cracks by making wise choices. Don’t eat anything that you think may require too much from your teeth. Don’t participate in sports that can lead to a strong impact unless you are wearing a mouth guard. Easy.

Riverside Dental Group and Dental Associate Offices Serves a Community Near You!

Our dentists look forward to caring for you and every member of your family with a comprehensive selection of services. We will maintain and improve your oral health with a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and emergency dentistry techniques. We also specialize in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics, serving patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you.

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.