Cracked Teeth
When facing the challenges of cracked teeth, understanding the potential causes and recognizing symptoms becomes paramount in ensuring timely and effective treatment. Various factors, such as extreme tooth grinding, large fillings, or even a forceful blow to the jaw, can lead to the unfortunate cracking of teeth. In such instances, seeking professional guidance from a trusted dental expert, like the skilled professionals at a reputable dental office queens, is crucial. The expertise of the nearest dentist plays a pivotal role in evaluating the type, location, and extent of the cracked tooth, paving the way for appropriate and tailored treatment. Whether it’s addressing erratic pain during chewing or sensitivity to temperature changes, the skillful hands of a nearby dentist become a reassuring ally in navigating the nuances of cracked teeth and restoring both comfort and oral health.
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Why do teeth crack?
Many things can cause teeth to crack, such as extreme tooth grinding – which can put the teeth under enormous pressure – large fillings that weaken the tooth, chewing or biting on something hard, a blow to the chin or lower jaw and gum disease, if there has been bone loss. This could make the teeth more likely to suffer from fractures.
Symptoms of cracked teeth
Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when chewing, possibly with the release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. It is important to know how to treat a cracked tooth, and therefore you need to know the type, location, and extent of the cracked tooth.
Craze Lines
Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. These cracks are extremely common in adult teeth. Craze lines are very shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond appearances. They typically don’t require any treatment.
Fractured Cusp
When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling, it’s called a fractured cusp.
A fractured cusp rarely damages the nerve, and usually doesn’t cause much pain. Dr. Galaif can place an onlay or crown over the damaged tooth to protect it. A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface of your tooth vertically toward the root. The tooth is not yet separated into pieces, though the crack may gradually spread.
Cracks that extend into the gum line
A tooth that has a vertical crack that extends through it but hasn’t yet reached the gum line is generally savable. However, if the crack extends into the gum line, that tooth may need to be extracted. Prompt treatment offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is often the result of the long-term progression of a cracked tooth. The split tooth is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact. The position and extent of the crack, however, will determine whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. In some cases, root canal treatment may be performed to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. They often show minimal signs and symptoms and may, therefore, go unnoticed for some time. Vertical root fractures are often discovered when the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment usually involves extracting the tooth.
Complications of a cracked tooth
Perhaps the biggest complication of a cracked tooth is an infection that can spread to the bone and gums. Some symptoms of a dental infection (also known as a tooth abscess) include fever, pain when chewing, swollen gums, sensitivity to heat and cold, tender glands in the neck, and bad breath. Dr. Galaif will then prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, rinse with warm water to clean your mouth and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to prevent swelling. Anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), can reduce swelling and pain. And make an appointment to see Dr. Galaif as soon as possible. Delaying treatment puts your mouth and health at even greater risk.
Treatment for Cracked Teeth
Early diagnosis is important in order to save the tooth. If the crack has extended into the nerve, the tooth can be treated with a root canal procedure and a crown to protect the crack from spreading. However, if the crack extends below the gum line, it is no longer savable, and will need to be extracted.
That’s why early treatment is so important. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worse, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in saving these teeth. The treatment you receive for your cracked tooth is important because it will relieve pain and reduce the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing. Depending on the type of crack in your tooth, there are a few different methods of treatment. Some patients maybe required to get a retainer. And if you already have one, here is how to make your retainer fit again at home.
Bonding
In this procedure, Dr Galaif uses a plastic resin to fill the crack, restoring its look and function.
Crown
A dental crown is a prosthetic device usually made of porcelain or ceramic.
It fits over the damaged tooth or caps it. To fit a crown, Dr. Galaif removes some enamel from your tooth to make room for the crown in your mouth. He then scans the tooth, picks out a color that matches your teeth, and makes the crown in the office.
Root Canal
When a crack is so extensive it extends into the nerve, Dr. Galaif will recommend a root canal to remove damaged nerve and restore some integrity to the tooth. This procedure can prevent the tooth from becoming infected.
Extraction
When the structure of the tooth, and the nerves and roots that lie below it, are much damaged, removing the tooth may be the best option.
How to prevent a cracked tooth
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks. Strong teeth are less likely to crack, so be sure to practice good dental hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit Dr. Galaif every three to six months for preventive care. Don’t chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens. Don’t clench or grind your teeth, and if you do, talk to Dr. Galaif about getting a retainer or nightguard to protect your teeth.
To find out if you may have a Cracked Tooth, call us to make an appointment at (818) 789-6789 or visit the appointment page on our Web site:
