A cracked tooth can happen at any time due to a wide variety of causes. Sometimes you are aware of a cracked tooth, and other times you may not even know it has happened. If you know one of your teeth has a crack, you may be wondering if it will heal on its own or if you need to seek professional treatment.
This guide will help you learn what to do in case of a cracked tooth and when to see an endodontist.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be anything from a tiny fissure in the enamel to a split or fractured tooth. There are many different types of fractures, and the type you have will determine the best course of action and treatment.
Types of Cracked Teeth
- Craze lines: Tiny, often microscopic cracks in the tooth enamel.
- Fractured cusp: When a piece or corner of a tooth breaks off.
- Cracked crown. A crack in the crown, the visible portion of the tooth above the gums that extends toward the gum line.
- Vertical root fracture. A crack that begins in the root under the gums and extends toward the crown away from the gumline.
- Split tooth: When a crack runs the length of the tooth, essentially splitting it in half.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Craze lines do not typically require any treatment, and you most likely won’t know it if you have them. Your dentist can see them when examining your teeth, and as long as they remain small and shallow, they can usually be left alone.
Any other type of crack warrants a call to your dentist, or preferably an endodontist. An endodontist is a dental specialist who has special training in the procedures that are most often used to treat cracked teeth. Don’t wait when it comes to a cracked tooth. Seek immediate treatment.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
A cracked tooth can often be saved, as long as it is treated promptly. However, in the case of a split tooth or a vertical root fracture, extraction and replacement is typically the only option.
Treatment for a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth may need one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Root canal. A cracked tooth may have compromised dental pulp, resulting in the need for a root canal.
- Crown. A crown may be placed over the tooth for protection and to keep the crack from spreading. It also restores the natural shape of the tooth.
- Filling. In some cases a crack may be filled with composite material like what is used for a cavity. However, there is a high risk of the crack spreading after a filling, which is why this method is less common.
Causes of Cracked Teeth
- Teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding takes its toll on your teeth, weakening the enamel and increasing your risk of cracked teeth.
- Injury. An injury or dental trauma can cause a tooth to crack.
- Hard foods. Chewing or biting on hard foods can lead to cracked teeth.
- Non-food items. Chewing or biting non-food items such as pens or pencils can cause a cracked tooth.
- Ice. Chewing ice puts you at risk for a cracked tooth and is generally detrimental to your oral health.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
You can prevent cracked teeth in many cases by following these tips:
- Chew food only, no other objects, and avoid particularly hard foods.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Go to the dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.
- Take good care of your teeth at home, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel, and flossing once a day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
In most cases a cracked tooth is not an emergency. Unless you are experiencing severe pain, it can probably wait until your dentist or endodontist’s office is open. However, you should seek treatment as soon as possible during regular office hours.
What happens if a cracked tooth is not treated?
A cracked tooth is highly susceptible to infection and permanent damage. Bacteria may enter the tooth through the crack and infect the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. If an infected tooth goes untreated, it is at high risk and less likely to be saved.
Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma provides specialized endodontic services for patients in Edmond, Oklahoma and the surrounding area, including treatment for cracked teeth. Call 405-285-5042 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.