Cracked Teeth Can Worsen Over Time — Treatment Matters
A small crack in a tooth is not necessarily a major concern, but it will inevitably grow over time. Day after day, as one continues eating and exposing themselves to different temperatures, they risk increasing the crack, and bacteria could enter and irritate the tooth’s pulp. What could have been a mild sensitivity could turn into sharp pain.
Prompt treatment can make a big difference. Based on the severity of the crack, it could involve bonding, a dental crown, and/or a root canal. Not only is prompt treatment of a tooth crack helpful for reducing discomfort, but it is also helpful for increasing the likelihood of preserving your natural tooth. At Forney Family Dentistry, we carefully review each case and determine what would work best for you.
When do Broken or Chipped Teeth Need Fixing?
- Craze lines are tiny cracks in teeth. These types of cracks only affect the outer layer of the enamel. They’re very common in adults. They are extremely shallow, and they don’t cause pain. Although they are not cosmetically pleasing, they’re not dangerous and do not require treatment.
- A fractured cusp is a crack at the point of a tooth on the chewing surface. A cusp can become weakened and either break off on its own or may need to be removed by Dr. Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics. Removing it relieves the pain in most cases. Fractured cusps rarely damage the pulp, so root canal treatment is usually not necessary. To repair the tooth back to normal, Dr. Morrison may recommend a crown.
- With cracked teeth, some cracks extend all the way from the chewing surface down into the root of the tooth. Depending on the crack’s position, it might damage the pulp. In many cases, Dr. Morrison will recommend root canal treatment to fix a cracked tooth.
- A split tooth occurs when a tooth cracks and, over time, the crack progresses until it separates into two distinct parts. Depending on the gravity of the split, Dr. Morrison may not be able to save the tooth intact. Depending on the position and extent of the crack, she will determine whether she can save part of the tooth with a crown or another restorative procedure.
- Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of a tooth. Because the fracture line may not be visible, Dr. Morrison has to pay special attention to your symptoms to identify if you have one. Vertical root fractures are some of the most difficult fractures to identify. They are often treated endodontically. It is sometimes possible to save part of the tooth, but in many cases the tooth needs to be removed.
How Do We Chip or Crack Our Teeth and How to Prevent It
Enamel, which covers the teeth and is the hardest substance in the human body, has its limits. Chewing on hard candy or ice, biting down hard, receiving a blow to the face, or grinding your teeth in your sleep could all cause a tooth to chip or crack. Poor hygiene and cavities can weaken our teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping or cracking. A chip or crack might even be painless if the damage isn’t severe enough to expose the inner layer. If it’s only in the enamel, a crack might not be noticeable except when biting down hard or when the temperature in your mouth changes. Some cracks aren’t visible to the naked eye. This is why it’s so important to schedule regular appointments with Dr. Morrison: they can identify problems before they become painful.
It can be challenging to fully avoid damage to our teeth, as most people experience some degree of wear over time. However, there are several ways Dr. Morrison recommends to help reduce the risk and keep it to a minimum:
- Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, pens, hard candy, or other hard objects.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, speak with Dr. Morrison about getting a retainer or mouthguard.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
If you would like a closer examination of your teeth, give us a call to schedule a consultation.
