If you have a cracked tooth, you can’t chew with one side of your mouth forever. When residents of Lorain, OH want their pearly whites cleaned or fixed, they visit C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry, the best local dentist in town.

For 20 years, C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry has been providing patients with expert dental services, from general dentistry exams and cosmetic dentistry teeth whitening to inserting tooth implants and checking for oral cancer.

Although teeth are made of durable materials, that doesn’t mean they are immune to cracks. If you’ve cracked a tooth, there are ways to identify which of your chompers has suffered damage. Here, C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry explains how to properly pinpoint and fix a cracked tooth.

Identifying a Cracked Tooth

• Locate The Pain: When you bite down, remember what area of your mouth feels the most pain. Identifying the general area can help a dentist locate the cracked tooth on an X-ray.
• Note Sensitivities: A cracked tooth will react to extreme temperatures, so pay attention to where the pain is when you eat hot foods and drink cold liquids.

Fixing a Cracked Tooth

• Bonding: If you have a tiny crack in the tooth, you can fix it with bonding. During this general dentistry procedure, a dentist will place a resin material on the tooth, mold putty onto the tooth, and harden it with an ultraviolet light. After the bonding has dried, it will be shaped to match your other teeth.
• Root Canal: Large cracks can spread to the center of the tooth. In that case, you might need a root canal. In this procedure, the damaged part of the tooth is removed. Afterward, the area is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.

Whether you need to fix a cracked tooth or just want a regular check up, visit C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry. This Lorain-based local dentist will make sure you have a million-watt, pain-free smile in no time. To schedule a dentist appointment, call (440) 960-5200 or visit them online for more information.