How Serious is Cracked Tooth
The seriousness of a cracked tooth depends on the severity of the crack itself. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a crack because it will only get worse without treatment. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the hard, outer enamel of the tooth which are very common and do not require treatment at all. Other cracks can be minor and not cause any symptoms but should still be addressed as soon as possible.
Anyone can experience a cracked tooth at any time due to gum disease, large fillings, grinding your teeth, eating hard food, or trauma to the mouth. Not all cracks cause symptoms right away and sometimes, symptoms can be hard to pinpoint to a specific tooth. Intermittent pain with chewing and sensitivity to very cold or very hot foods and sugars can all be signs of a crack.
How is a cracked tooth treated?
A cracked tooth will not improve on its own and can cause a number of other issues down the road. A cracked tooth is susceptible to abscess, nerve damage, splitting in two, or even tooth loss. Fortunately, there are a few different treatment options available and your dentist will help determine which is best for your specific case.
Composite bonding: Bonding is like a filling; the same resin material is used to fill the crack and can be tinted to match the tooth exactly. It is a great way to fix minor cracks!
Dental crowns and veneers: Porcelain restorations are frequently used to treat a lot of dental problems and can also restore a cracked tooth. A crown fits over the entire tooth and prevents further damage.
Veneers are only used on the front teeth and cover the front of the tooth that shows when you smile, not the whole tooth. Veneers are not used on back teeth because they are thinner than crowns and cannot withstand chewing.
Root canal therapy: If a crack is deep enough to affect the pulp within the tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for root canal therapy. This procedure is used to remove the pulp from the roots to get the patient out of pain and save the tooth. The pulp is the tissue within the tooth root that contains the nerves and blood supply for that tooth.
Can I prevent cracked teeth?
Since there are so many reasons a tooth can crack, it may not be possible to fully prevent a cracked tooth but there are steps you can take to protect your teeth and keep them healthy as long as possible. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease which can lead to a whole host of dental problems, including a cracked tooth. You may also want to take care when eating very hard foods.
A mouthguard can prevent tooth damage if you grind your teeth at night or play sports. Your dentist can make a customized night guard for you to sleep in or a sports guard to protect your teeth during physical activities.
Any abnormal symptoms need to be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible to make sure everything is healthy and to treat any issues that may arise.