What is a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken or damaged due to injury or poor care of the tooth.

Do all teeth crack in the same way?

No. Teeth can crack In several different ways depending on the severity:

Cracked Tooth – This happens when a crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth down towards the root. A cracked tooth is not split into two parts but in soft, Inner tissue of the tooth is usually damaged.

Craze Lines – These are small cracks that affect the outer enamel of the tooth. They are common in all adult teeth, usually cause no pain. Craze lines need no treatment.

Cracked Cusp – The cusp is the pointed part of the biting surface of your tooth. If a cusp becomes damaged, that may lead to tooth break. You will usually get a sharp pain in that tooth while biting.

Split Tooth – This is normally the result of an untreated cracked tooth. When it is not treated the tooth can split into two parts. Vertical root fractures will crack that begin in the root and go up towards the biting surface.

Why do teeth crack?

Many things can cause a tooth to crack such as:

• Extreme bruxism (tooth grinding), which can put the teeth under massive pressure.
• Large fillings may weaken the tooth.
• Biting on something hard substance such as ice, boiled sweets, fruit stones or meat bones.
• A blow to the lower jaw or chin.
• Gum disease, where there has been bone loss, makes the teeth more likely to suffer from root.
• sudden changes in mouth temperatures.

How can I notice if I have a cracked tooth?

The signs can be difficult to spot and the symptoms may vary from person to person. You may get pain when you are chewing, especially when you release the biting pressure.

Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort and sensitivity, with no signs of decay. Swelling may be found in a small area near the affected tooth. If the pain is severe, take pain relief. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication.

Cracks show up on a dental x-ray?

Unfortunately, dental x-rays don’t show the cracked tooth sometimes. This is because the x-ray light must be parallel to the crack before it can penetrate it.

However, sometimes other signs of a crack may appear. With a vertical root fracture, if the crack has been there long enough, vertical bone loss near to the tooth can be seen in X-ray pictures. Your dentist may use a bright light or a magnifying glass to find the crack. They may also use a Special dye to follow the course of the crack.

Will I need to have treatment to repair the broken tooth?

Yes. It is important to get advice before it becomes severe. If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow that could need root canal treatment or extraction. In extreme conditions, the tooth can actually split in two. In such a condition, your dentist will not be able to save the tooth and it will need to be taken out.

Will I lose my tooth?

In some cases, if the tooth is harming the surrounding tooth the tooth may need to be taken out, but not always. It is important therefore to get advice and treatment to repair the broken tooth as soon as possible.

How to fix the broken tooth?

The choice of treatment depends on the amount of damage to the tooth. You should ask your dentist what the best treatment is required for the broken tooth.

• Bonding – This is when a plastic resin is used to fill the crack and it can be an easy method to repair a small chip off the biting edge of the tooth. Bonding can restore the shape of the tooth.
• Cosmetic Contouring – This is done when the chip is very small. The rough edges of the cracked tooth are rounded and polished to blend away the crack.
• Veneers – These are ideal for a tooth that still has a fair amount of structure remaining, as they are long lasting and need the least amount of tooth removing first. A veneer is a thin porcelain layer material made to fit over the front surface of the tooth.
• Crowns – These are used as a last resort for a tooth that fits right that is not suitable for a veneer. A crown fits over what is left of the tooth structure, making it strong and giving it the appearance of a natural tooth. If the nerve has been infected and you should get root canal treatment first. This involves removing all infection from the roots of the tooth. The root is then cleaned and filled with anti-infection substances to prevent any further infections. The tooth would then be fitted with a crown to give it extra support.

After treatment for a cracked tooth be safe?

Unlike broken bones, the crack in a tooth will never cure completely. After treatment, little chances are there that cracked teeth may get worse and you could still lose the tooth.

However, It is still important that you get treatment because most cracked teeth can work normally for years after treatment. Your dentist will be able to tell you more about your particular problem and recommended treatment.

Can I stop my teeth cracking?

Not altogether, but there are some precautions you can take:

Wear a Mouthguard – If you clench your teeth at night, have a night guard made to protect the teeth. If you play sports, wear a custom-made mouthguard, avoid biting or chewing on hard objects.

How much will my treatment cost?

The cost of the broken tooth repair will change depending on what treatment you need. There may be extra costs if there are complications and you need more treatment to fix it. You can book a free dental check-up to consult a dentist.

Expert opinion

• Dr. Manan Dhulia Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Most people do not recognize the cracked teeth in their mouth, they will notice when they have sharp pain. Sometimes leaving teeth untreated may lead to tooth extraction.”
• Dr. Jena Shah Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Cracked tooth is always dangerous to the same tooth or surrounding teeth. Food and infection may accumulate here and lead to further dental complications.”
• Dr. Zita Antao Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “A cracked tooth often shows no symptoms. Hence it is good to expose your mouth to professional check-ups.”

References:

• Cracked Teeth- Oral Health Foundation
• What To Do If You Have A Cracked Molar- Colgate
• Cracked tooth syndrome- Wikipedia
• Why See an Endodontist