Cracked Tooth? How to Fix It to Save Your Oral Health
Biting down and feeling a small pop or sharp pain can be alarming. A cracked tooth might seem minor at first, but without proper care, it can lead to serious dental problems. At Summit Dental Partners, we offer expert treatment options for cracked teeth to restore your smile and protect your oral health.
Here’s what you need to know about cracked teeth, how to recognize the signs, and how we can help you save your smile.
How Do You Know If You Have a Cracked Tooth?
Some cracks are easy to see. Others are hidden below the surface and only show symptoms once the damage reaches deeper layers of the tooth. Recognizing early warning signs can make all the difference.
Common Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may have a cracked tooth:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Sharp, sudden pain that comes and goes
- Visible lines or cracks in the tooth enamel
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth
If you notice any of these signs of a cracked tooth, it’s important to schedule a dental evaluation promptly. Delaying care could lead to worsening cracked tooth pain and complications.
Types of Cracks in Teeth
Not all cracks are the same. Understanding the type of crack helps us recommend the right cracked tooth repair.
- Craze lines: Tiny, surface-level cracks in the enamel. They’re common and usually harmless, though they can affect the appearance of your smile.
- Fractured cusp: A piece of the tooth near a filling breaks off. This type typically does not affect the pulp and may not cause significant pain.
- Split tooth: A crack that divides the tooth into two distinct parts. Often caused by severe trauma, a split tooth typically requires more advanced treatment or extraction.
- Vertical root fracture: This crack begins below the gumline and moves upward. It can be difficult to detect and may only be found when infection develops.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Several factors can weaken a tooth’s structure over time or cause sudden fractures.
Everyday Habits That Increase Risk
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
- Biting into hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies
- Using your teeth as tools to open packages
- Trauma and Accidents
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Falls or blows to the face
Wearing a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic dental injuries.
Age and Wear Over Time
As we age, enamel naturally thins, and teeth can become more brittle. Those over 50 are more likely to experience a cracked tooth, especially if they have existing dental restorations.
What Happens If You Ignore a Cracked Tooth?
While some cracks seem minor, the risks of ignoring a cracked tooth can be serious.
Increased Risk of Infection
Cracks allow bacteria to reach the inner layers of the tooth, leading to an infection in the cracked tooth. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the gums, jawbone, and other parts of the body.
Worsening Pain and Sensitivity
A small crack may start with mild sensitivity, but without treatment, the discomfort can escalate to severe, throbbing pain.
Tooth Loss
Deep cracks that reach the pulp can cause irreparable damage to the tooth, necessitating extraction.
Spread of Infection to Other Parts of the Body
Dental infections can affect more than your mouth. In rare cases, bacteria from an untreated cracked tooth can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues.
How Dentists Treat Cracked Teeth
The proper treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the type, location, and severity of the crack.
Dental Bonding for Minor Cracks
For small surface cracks or minor chips, dental bonding can quickly and effectively restore the tooth’s structure and appearance.
Dental Crowns for Moderate Damage
If the crack is more significant, we may recommend a dental crown for a cracked tooth. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, preventing further damage to it.
Root Canal Treatment for Severe Cracks
When a crack extends into the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove infection and save the tooth.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement Options
In cases where a tooth is too damaged to repair, extraction may be the best option. We can discuss replacement solutions, such as dental implants or bridges, to restore your smile.
Cosmetic Solutions After a Cracked Tooth
After a cracked tooth is treated, cosmetic dentistry can help restore the appearance of your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can cover minor cracks or imperfections, giving you a smooth, natural-looking finish.
Teeth Whitening Post-Treatment
Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile after treatment, especially if trauma caused discoloration.
Smile Makeovers After Dental Trauma
For patients who have experienced significant dental injuries, a smile makeover after trauma can combine multiple treatments to rebuild both form and function beautifully.
How to Prevent Future Cracked Teeth
Good habits and regular care go a long way in protecting your teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports or Nighttime Grinding
Protective mouthguards reduce the risk of sports injuries and protect against nighttime grinding.
Avoid Hard Foods and Bad Habits
Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies, and never use your teeth as tools.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine exams enable us to identify early signs of cracks or enamel weakness and address them before they become more serious problems, helping you maintain strong, healthy teeth through consistent preventive care and regular dental visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
No, a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Professional treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and infection.
Is a Cracked Tooth an Emergency?
Yes, particularly if you are experiencing cracked tooth pain, swelling, or signs of infection. Treat it as a dental emergency and contact us promptly.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cracked Tooth?
The cost of fixing a cracked tooth depends on the severity of the damage and the type of treatment required. The cost of cracked tooth treatment can vary, and dental insurance may help cover part of the expenses, depending on your plan. We will provide a comprehensive estimate and review your options during your visit.
Don’t Wait to Treat a Cracked Tooth
When it comes to cracked tooth repair, early treatment is crucial for saving your tooth and preserving your oral health. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait. Summit Dental Partners is here to provide expert care with compassion and skill.
Schedule your appointment with Summit Dental Partners. Let us help you save your smile!