If you’ve cracked a tooth, you must seek professional help. Here’s what you need to know.
A cracked tooth (a.k.a. tooth fracture) is a sign of use. Although our teeth are designed to be strong, they become more fragile with wear and tear. And, once a tooth is cracked, there’s a high chance of decaying and breaking.
Your teeth can crack from side to side or vertically, with the latter causing pain and more complex treatment.
Cracked tooth symptoms
Often, you can have a cracked tooth and not know it. This is why regular dental checkups are essential, as cracks are usually revealed at this time.
However, sometimes cracked tooth symptoms are noticeable. For example, you might be sensitive to sweetness, hot or cold; pain may come and go; there may be swelling of the gum or around the affected tooth or you may have pain when chewing or biting, especially when you release your bite.
Cracked tooth causes
- Age – Older teeth are more likely to be cracked, as they have suffered more wear and tear.
- Tooth fillings – Fillings compromise the strength of the tooth and make them vulnerable to cracking.
- Misuse – using your teeth to open hard objects or bite on objects like olive seeds or nut shells
- Clenching and grinding – These activities compromise the strength of the teeth.
- Trauma to the mouth – Such as a punch or a sporting accident.
- Abrupt temperature changes – Such as drinking hot tea then cooling your mouth with iced water
- Tooth erosion – Medications or acid reflux can erode the enamel, weakening the tooth
Types of cracked teeth
- Craze lines: Tiny cracks in the tooth enamel. They usually cause no pain and don’t require treatment.
- Fractured cusp: Typically occurs around a dental filling. It usually doesn’t affect the tooth’s pulp and, as a result, doesn’t cause much pain.
- Cracks that extend to the gumline: A vertical crack that doesn’t quite reach the gumline can usually be saved. However, if the crack extends into the gumline, the tooth may need to be extracted. In this instance, you must see the dentist as soon as possible.
- Split tooth: A crack that travels from its surface to below the gumline and can be separated into two segments. As this is an extensive crack, it’s unlikely that the entire tooth can be saved. Sometimes, your dentist can save a portion of it.
- Vertical root fracture: A crack that begins below the gumline and travels upwards. It often doesn’t cause many symptoms unless the tooth becomes infected. Usually, the tooth will have to be extracted.
Cracked tooth treatment
If you think you have a cracked tooth, it’s vital you see a dentist as soon as possible. They can examine your teeth to see if a crack is present. They’ll also check the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Occasionally, if there is a filling, it must be removed so the dentist can see the extent of the crack. However, if you have a small crack, sometimes nothing needs to be done. Instead, your dentist will need to keep an eye on it. ‘
If your tooth does need to be repaired, there are various options. For example, sometimes, the tooth can be repaired with bonding (plastic resin). Alternatively, you may need a dental crown — it all depends on the size and position of the crack.
For more information on cracked teeth, visit the Australian Dental Association’s website here.
Talk to us today
Call our clinic and discuss your dental concerns today.