Cracked Teeth
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Did you know…
Not all cracked teeth require a root canal.
What to do when you’ve cracked a tooth
Keep Calm
When you crack a tooth, your first instinct may be to panic, but the best thing you can do is to stay calm. Take comfort in the knowledge that nearly any tooth crack issue can be addressed, treated, and resolved by your endodontist. Our team is here to help get you back to a healthy, pain-free smile.
Reduce Swelling & Pain
Feel free to take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen to temporarily reduce pain and swelling. Place an ice pack or cold compress to the cheek near the affected area. This will reduce pain and inflammation for a short period of time.
Call Us Immediately
As soon as you’ve regained control of your situation, give us a call! Our team is standing by to help assess the severity of your cracked tooth and give you immediate care.
Types of cracks
Craze Lines
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case root canal treatment, is usually necessary. A tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic treatment by the endodontist and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. With this scenario, the tooth will likely have to be extracted.
Fractured Cusp
A fractured cusp is a crack that takes place from the chewing surface of the tooth but not all the way down the root. Sometimes the break extends even past the gum line. The general dentist will determine if the tooth can be restored. This fracture usually causes significant damage to the pulp, and a root canal treatment is usually necessary. Leaving a fractured cusp untreated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth.
Did you know…
Getting care quickly is the best solution to dealing with a cracked tooth.
Have questions about emergency dentistry? Find answers here.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
If your tooth is cracked, you may suffer from extreme discomfort when chewing or biting, or severe sensitivity when your tooth is exposed to high or low temperatures.
What can I do to prevent my teeth from cracking?
There is no silver bullet to preventing a tooth crack but you may take some precautions to keep your teeth protected. Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens. Clenching or grinding your teeth can cause fractures, so talk to your dentist about getting a retainer or other mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you play a contact sport, be sure to wear a mouthguard or protective mask.
What should I do about a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
If you suspect that you have damaged your tooth, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. Even if the damage to your tooth appears to be minor, contacting our team can help guide you on the next steps, and to see if your injury requires immediate treatment. When you arrive at the office, your endodontist will perform an exam to determine the severity of the damage. If a broken or cracked tooth is left untreated, it is at risk for infection and other complications.
Did you know…
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause issues that impact your overall health.