A cracked tooth isn’t as scary as it sounds, and it’s a common occurrence. There are many ways it can happen, such as by pressure from grinding your teeth, large fillings that weaken your teeth, chewing or biting into hard foods such as hard candy, or physical accidents. Cracked teeth can be a result of the natural aging process making people over 50 are most at risk.
It’s never fun when a tooth suffers a crack, however there are several treatment options available.
Read on to learn more about the signs of a cracked tooth and what to do if it happens.
Tooth enamel is extremely hard; however, many habits can result in a sudden crack. This typically happens unexpectedly without any warning. So how do you know when you’ve cracked a tooth? There are quite a few signs, such as intense pain in a tooth, sharp pain when you chew, and tooth sensitivity.
A cracked tooth can quickly become infected. That’s why it’s essential to take care of it immediately. Below you’ll find the answer to many common questions, such as signs of a cracked tooth, the different types of cracks, treatments, and how to prevent them.
Most Common Signs of a Cracked Tooth
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- Intense pain in a tooth
- Sharp pain that comes and goes. It may occur while chewing and feel better when there’s no pressure.
- Sensitive to drinking hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods or drinks
- A chipped tooth
- Sharp edges that you can feel with your finger or tongue
- Discoloration of a tooth
- Gum swelling
- You can see the crack
What Are the Different Types of Cracked Teeth?
Depending on how far your tooth is cracked determines the type of care needed. A crown is enough to protect the tooth if it doesn’t extend into the pulp (the tooth’s center that contains the nerves). However, if it does the extent to the pulp, you’ll likely need a root canal and crown. If it extends below the gum line, the tooth will need to be pulled.
A fractured cusp occurs because of a weak filling; the treatment may be a new filling or a crown depending on the damage to the tooth. A split tooth often separates into two segments and travels below the gum. With this type of crack, the entire tooth usually can’t be saved, but your dentist can save a portion of it. Some cracks called craze lines don’t need treatment. These are lines caused by normal wear on the tooth’s enamel.
Treatment For a Cracked Tooth
Treatment depends on the size of the crack, where it’s located, your symptoms, and how far it extends.
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- A root canal is recommended if the crack extends into the pulp or has caused an infection or irritation. A root canal removes the pulp, cleans, and restores some of the tooth’s strength.
This procedure prevents the tooth from becoming weaker and prevents infection. - Your dentist will remove the tooth if a root canal isn’t an option. This occurs when roots and nerves are extremely damaged.
- Bonding uses plastic resin to fill the fracture. This most frequently is used for smaller cracks that haven’t extended to the gumline.
- Crowns are porcelain or ceramic caps that go over the fractured tooth. Like bonding, this works best for smaller cracks that haven’t reached the gum line.
- No treatment is used for simple craze lines.
- A root canal is recommended if the crack extends into the pulp or has caused an infection or irritation. A root canal removes the pulp, cleans, and restores some of the tooth’s strength.
Complications Of a Cracked Tooth
The quicker you address a cracked tooth, the better. If left untreated, it continues to worsen, and over time, bacteria go under the enamel into the soft layer of the tooth. This causes the bacteria to spread into other areas causing an abscess (infection). Some signs of infections are.
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- Increased pain
- Gum swelling
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Bad breath
- Sore neck glands
- Pus coming from the tooth
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
In extreme cases, it can spread to other areas of your body, which can cause serious complications.
How Can I Prevent a Fractured Tooth?
While there are no ways to prevent cracks from happening, there are some steps you can take to reduce chances.
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- Don’t chew on ice
- Don’t chew on pens or pencils
- Avoid biting down on hard foods such as popcorn and nuts in the shell. Allow hard candies to dissolve instead of biting down on them.
- Don’t try to open objects with your teeth, such as popping a bottle top.
- Avoid exposing your teeth to extreme temperatures. Allow your food to cool before eating it.
- If you notice that you grind or clench your teeth talk to your dentist about getting a night guard and learn relaxation techniques.
- Always use a mouth guard if you participate in sports.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Walled Lake Michigan
If you notice symptoms of a cracked tooth, contact your dentist immediately. Make sure to get your teeth cleaned every six months and keep all dental appointments. Also, use proper dental hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
If you need advice or have questions about your teeth, the dental team at Walled Lake Dental Office can help. Dr. Steven Hechtman has over 40 years of experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and stays current on the latest dental treatments and dental technology.
Your smile is important and it all stems from a healthy mouth. Our dental office in Walled Lake is fully equipped and committed to helping you get the smile you deserve and keep it for life. Call for a Free dental consultation today!