I’ve Got a Cracked Tooth! What Can I Do?

The chances are high that you might also experience accidental damage to a tooth at some point. What are some of the main reasons why a tooth can crack? How can a dentist fix it? We will examine all of these questions to put your mind at ease. 

Culprits of Cracked Teeth

Our teeth are placed under a great deal of mechanical strain on a daily basis. Therefore, damage can sometimes inadvertently occur when chewing specific foods (particularly hard substances such as jawbreakers and ice cubes). 

One or more teeth may also develop a crack due to an accident or an injury. This is why dental problems are common with those who play contact sports such as rugby and boxing. 

Other factors may include age, tooth grinding (bruxism) and teeth that have already been weakened due to cavities or a previous root canal.

Signs and Symptoms

So, how can you know if you damage has occurred? There are several symptoms of a cracked tooth and some of the most common include:

• Pain that increases when chewing.
• Visible damage such as a crack or a hairline fracture.
• Increased sensitivity to hold or cold substances.
• Swelling around the suspected tooth.

If any of these signs are present, it is wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist or a cosmetic dentistry clinic at the earliest possible convenience. More damage might otherwise occur. 

How Can a Dentist Identify a Fault?

There are several ways in which a professional will quickly determine if one or more of your teeth has become cracked. The most obvious involves a visual inspection of the immediate area. Other methods may be employed in conjunction such as:

• Testing the amount of pain when biting down on a stick.
• Shining light on the tooth to expose smaller fractures. 
• Placing die on the surface of the tooth, as this will remain in a crack.
• Performing an x-ray or a CT scan.

The good news is that it is normally quite easy to tell whether or not a cracked tooth is present. The appropriate solutions can thereafter be employed.

Types of Fractures

Teeth are rather complicated structures. This is why cracks can form in a number of different ways. We will now examine a handful of the most common scenarios in slightly more detail.

A Common Crack

As the title suggests, this is a very common scenario. A crack begins at the biting surface and will continue to the gum line or even as far as beneath the gum. Note that these cracks can sometimes affect the root of the tooth. 

Fractured Cusps

There can also be times when a crack forms around the periphery of an existing dental filling. In this case, you might not notice any pain. A professional diagnosis is nonetheless warranted. 

Craze Lines

Another painless scenario is referred to as “”craze lines” in the dental community. Craze lines are essentially hairline fractures that are limited to the exterior enamel of a tooth. Still, addressing even the smallest of imperfections is the best way to avert more serious consequences. 

A Tooth that Has Split

In other cases, a tooth might completely split in half. This can be caused by sudden trauma or if the tooth itself has become weakened over time. 

A Vertical Fracture

There are also times when a fractur begins at the root and radiates downward until it reaches the biting surface. These might also cause little to no pain unless they become infected. 

Treatment Options

You will be happy to learn that there are a number of effective treatments for a cracked tooth. This is when the genius of modern cosmetic dentistry comes into play. Common at-home options intended to address immediate discomfort include icing the affected area, rinsing with salt water and taking anti-inflammatory pills (to reduce any sensations of pain). 

However, the only real solution is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will be able to provide the most targeted treatment options. One common approach involves the use of dental bonding. This can be used to fill in any gaps caused by a crack.

In other scenarios, contouring can smooth any rough edges that might have been caused by a chip while crowns are normally employed for more severe damage. 

If a crack extends into the pulp of a tooth, a root canal may need to be performed. Of course, one or more teeth that have suffered from extreme damage might need to be extracted if no other restorative options are available. Partial dentures or implants could represent the most logical long-term solutions. 

An Ounce of Prevention

Suddenly discovering that you have a cracked tooth can be a somewhat traumatic experience; especially if the tooth is visible to the general public. This is why protecting those pearly whites is the best way to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. 

Avoid biting down on extremely hard foods. If you play contact sports, invest in a customised mouthguard. There are likewise special orthodontic appliances that can be purchased if you are in the habit of grinding your teeth. 

The bottom line is that even minor cracks need to be evaluated by a trained professional. This is the best way to ensure a stunning smile for years into the future. 

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth

3. https://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2017/08/how-to-recognize-the-5-types-of-tooth-cracks