What is a cracked tooth?

Do all teeth split in the same manner?

Teeth can fracture in a variety of ways:

Cracked tooth occurs when a fracture extends from the chewing surface of the tooth to the root. Occasionally, it penetrates below the gingival line and into the root. A cracked tooth is not divided into two pieces, but its inner, soft tissue is typically damaged.

Craze lines are minute fissures that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. They are present in all adult teeth and are painless. Craze lines do not require treatment.

Cracked cusp: The cusp is the pointed portion of the tooth's gripping surface. If a tooth's apex is damaged, the tooth may fracture. When biting, you will typically experience a sharp discomfort in this tooth.

This is frequently the consequence of an untreated cracked tooth. The tooth fragments into two pieces. Vertical root fractures are fissures that originate in the root and ascend to the surface of the tooth.

How do teeth fracture?

Numerous factors can cause teeth to fracture, including:

Extreme tooth grinding, which can place enormous strain on the teeth.

Large fillings that erode the tooth structure.

Chewing or biting on something hard, such as ice, candy that has been boiled, fruit stones, or animal bones.

A strike to the lower jaw or chin.

Gum disease, if bone loss has occurred. This could increase the likelihood of tooth root fractures.

alterations in salivary temperature.

How can I determine if a tooth is cracked?

The symptoms vary and the indications can be difficult to identify. Occasionally, you may experience pain when chewing, particularly when you release the biting pressure. Extreme temperatures, particularly frigid, can be uncomfortable. Alternatively, you may be sensitive to sweetness but not degeneration. A small area of the gum may expand near the affected tooth.

If the pain is severe, administer pain medication as you would for a headache. Always consult your physician or chemist if you are taking additional medications.

Why do fractures not appear on dental x-rays?

Unfortunately, dental x-rays do not always reveal a fractured tooth. Before the x-ray beam can penetrate a fracture, it must be parallel to the crack.

Occasionally, however, additional indications of a crack may manifest. If a vertical root fracture has been present for an extended period of time, vertical bone loss can be observed close to the root. Your dentist may use a magnifying lens or a bright light to locate the crack. They may also use a special dye to trace the crack's path.

Will I have to undergo treatment?

Yes. To increase the efficacy of the treatment, it is crucial to seek advice as quickly as feasible. If left untreated, cracked teeth can result in the demise of the nerve and the development of an abscess. The tooth may require endodontic treatment or even extraction. In extreme cases, the tooth may actually break in half. If this occurs, your dentist will be unable to save the tooth, and it will be extracted.

Will my teeth fall out?

Sometimes it may be necessary to remove a tooth, but not always. Therefore, it is essential to seek advice as soon as feasible.

How are damaged teeth repaired?

The sort of treatment depends on the degree of tooth damage. Ask your dental team which treatment is ideal for you:

Bonding is the process of using a plastic resin to fill the fissure. It can readily repair a minor chip on the tooth's biting edge. Bonding can restore the original form of a tooth.

Cosmetic contouring: This is performed when the crack is extremely minor. To conceal the fracture, the rough edges of the tooth are rounded and polished.

When there is still a substantial quantity of tooth remaining, veneers are the best option because they are durable and require minimal tooth preparation. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or plastic material designed to cover the tooth's front surface. Click here for additional veneer information.

Crowns are utilised for teeth that are not suitable for veneers. A crown is placed over the remaining tooth structure to reinforce it and give it the appearance of a natural tooth. If the nerve has been damaged and becomes infected, root canal therapy may be necessary. This entails the elimination of all infection from the root canal. The root is then sterilised and sealed to prevent future infections. The tooth would then receive a crown for additional support.

Will my tooth recover completely after receiving treatment for a fracture?

Unlike fractured bones, a tooth fracture will never completely heal. A fissure may worsen after treatment, and you may still lose the tooth. Even though most cracked teeth can function normally for years after treatment, it is still essential to seek treatment. Your dental team will be able to elaborate on your specific issue and suggest a treatment.

Can my teeth stop cracking?

Not entirely, but there are safeguards you can take:

If you grind your teeth at night, you should have a mouthguard created to protect your teeth. If you participate in sports, you should don a custom-made mouthguard.

Avoid biting or gnawing on difficult substances.