A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. Cracked teeth range from small cracks in the enamel to fractured cusps and split teeth. In many cases a cracked tooth can be saved, but prompt treatment is crucial to ensuring a positive outcome.
If you have a cracked tooth you may be unsure of what to do or who to see. For specialized care, a periodontist is your best option. Eagle Endodontics prioritizes saving natural teeth whenever possible. Through the use of advanced technology and best practices, we strive to restore your oral health with the most effective treatment.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be caused by a wide variety of situations, such as:
- Biting or chewing hard foods. Eating things like hard candy, nuts, and jerky can cause an already weakened tooth to crack.
- Teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding weakens tooth enamel over time, increasing your risk of a cracked tooth.
- Dental trauma. Injuries from falls or sports can result in cracked or broken teeth.
- Aging dental work. Old fillings, poorly fitting crowns, or aging bridges can cause teeth to crack.
- Using teeth on non-food items. Opening containers or removing plastic tags from clothing with your teeth can cause cracks or fractures.
Over time, tooth enamel can weaken due to decay, lack of fluoride, or wear from chewing or teeth grinding. This increases the risk of cracks or fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
- Persistent pain. A toothache that is constant or throbbing may indicate a cracked tooth that is infected.
- Pain that comes and goes. Intermittent pain sometimes means there is a crack in a tooth that is exposing the nerves.
- Pain when chewing. A cracked tooth may only hurt when you chew on that side of your mouth.
- Sensitivity to temperature. Heat or cold can seep into your tooth through a crack, resulting in extreme sensitivity. Often it will not subside when the source is removed.
Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the source of your pain. This is very common with a cracked tooth. Many cracks are too small to see or occur in areas that are not highly visible.
Types of Cracked Teeth and How They Differ
The main types of cracked teeth include:
- Craze lines: Tiny surface cracks in the enamel. In most cases they require no treatment.
- Fractured cusp: A small piece or corner of a tooth breaks off.
- Cracked tooth: A crack in the crown of the tooth.
- Split tooth: A tooth that is cracked partially or completely in half where there are two distinct portions.
- Vertical root fracture: The crack begins in the root of the tooth below the gums.
In the case of fractured cusps and cracked teeth, treatment is available that can most likely save the tooth. However, in cases of split teeth and vertical root fractures, extraction is likely the best option.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth treatment depends on the situation, and may include any of the following:
- Dental bonding. Some cracks in teeth can be repaired with tooth-colored composite material, such as a fractured cusp or a small crack.
- Crowns. Large cracks or fractures may need to be treated with a crown, a tooth-shaped cover placed over the tooth for protection.
- Root canal therapy. A crack can allow bacteria to invade the pulp inside the tooth, resulting in the need for root canal therapy. This may also be necessary if the pulp is damaged due to trauma.
- Extraction. In some cases the tooth is beyond repair and will need to be extracted. This is considered to be a last resort. After extraction the tooth should be replaced with a prosthetic, such as a bridge or dental implant.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
It is best to seek diagnosis and treatment at the first sign of a crack. Without treatment, cracks are likely to worsen and may spread to the point where the tooth can’t be saved. A cracked tooth is also at risk of infection, as bacteria can enter through the crack and infect the pulp, the soft tissue on the inside of the tooth. The sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the less complex the treatment will be and the better the outcome. A professional evaluation can identify the location and severity of the crack in order to create a treatment plan.
Protect Your Smile with Prompt, Expert Care
Are you experiencing cracked tooth symptoms? Contact Eagle Endodontics today to schedule an appointment. We provide expert care and personalized treatment that offers the best chance of saving your natural tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth Treatment
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately, cracks do not heal naturally on their own. These cases require professional treatment to prevent progression.
Is a root canal always needed for a cracked tooth?
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack. Not all cases require root canal therapy, but some do if the health of the tooth is at risk.
At Eagle Endodontics, we are committed to helping our patients preserve their natural teeth through precise, patient-focused care. Our team uses advanced techniques to diagnose and treat cracked teeth effectively and comfortably. If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns, we are here to help guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.