A cracked tooth is a common experience for many and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. A crack in a tooth can occur when you chew hard foods, due to teeth grinding, and it can also occur naturally as you age.
Once a crack in a tooth has occurred, prompt treatment may be necessary to save your tooth and to prevent infections and further damage. A cracked tooth will not heal on its own, but it can often be repaired by a dentist. Today, there are several different ways to repair a cracked tooth and keep your teeth intact.
Do you have a cracked or damaged tooth? Contact TandCity and we will help you.
Reasons why a crack in a tooth has occurred
A crack in a tooth can occur:
- Due to pressure from teeth grinding/teeth clenching
- Due to large fillings that weaken the tooth
- When you chew or bite hard or tough foods (ice, nuts, chewy candy)
- From impacts to the face and mouth (car accidents, sports injuries, or falls)
- Sudden temperature changes in the mouth (when you have eaten something very hot and then try to cool your mouth with something very cold)
Types of cracks in a tooth
A crack in a tooth can occur in the following ways:
Craze lines – “Craze lines” are very small cracks in the enamel of the teeth. They do not cause pain and do not require any type of treatment.
- Chipped cusp – A chipped cusp usually occurs around fillings. It typically does not affect the tooth’s pulp and therefore rarely hurts.
- Crack below the gumline – A vertical crack that can extend below the gumline. If it remains above the gumline, the tooth can often be saved. However, if it extends deep below the gumline, the tooth may need to be removed.
- Split tooth – A split tooth is when the tooth has cracked into two parts. With such an extensive crack, it is uncommon for the tooth to be saved; in rare cases, a dentist may be able to save part of it.
Vertical root fracture – A vertical root fracture starts just below the gumline and moves upward. It usually causes no discomfort as long as the tooth has not become infected. In many cases, unfortunately, the tooth still needs to be removed.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth
A cracked tooth does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, it is common to experience:
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweetness
- Pain that comes and goes
- Swelling of the gum around the damaged tooth
Treatment for a cracked tooth
The appropriate treatment depends on several factors: the size and depth of the crack, where it is located, what symptoms you have, and whether it extends below the gumline or into the tooth’s nerve. After an examination, the dentist may recommend one of the following measures:
Dental filling
A crack can be repaired with a dental filling using composite or porcelain material that seals the damage and restores both function and appearance.
Crown
A porcelain or ceramic crown is placed over the tooth as a protective cover. The crown strengthens the tooth and reduces the risk of the crack worsening.
Root canal treatment
If the crack reaches the tooth’s pulp (nerve), a root canal treatment may be necessary. The pulp is then removed and replaced with a rubber-like material that protects the tooth against infection and further damage.
Tooth extraction
In very severe cracks that cannot be repaired, the tooth may need to be removed.
Do you have a cracked tooth?
If so, contact TandCity immediately and we will examine your teeth and restore your smile to what it was. TandCity uses the latest technology and newest materials to offer you the very best dental care, tailored specifically to you and your needs.
“The text above is written for online marketing purposes. The opinions are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TandCity.”
