A cracked tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies we see, and the vast majority of the time, a cracked tooth can be saved. However, if you let even a small crack go unchecked for too long, it can cause bigger problems in the future, including a potential extraction.
The key to saving your natural tooth depends entirely on how deep the fracture goes and how quickly you seek professional treatment before the damage spreads beyond repair.
A Closer Look at a Cracked Tooth
Your teeth are incredibly strong. In fact, the enamel that coats them is the hardest substance in the human body. But despite this protection, they are not indestructible. Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal itself. And once you’ve cracked a tooth, every time you chew, the pressure can cause the crack to open and get worse, potentially leading to a severe chip or breakage that cannot be repaired.
At the same time, the crack leaves your tooth susceptible to infection and decay. While your enamel protects the delicate soft tissue in the center of your tooth, a deep enough crack is a path for bacteria to get in.
Common Causes of Dental Fractures
Cracks do not always happen from a single traumatic event like a sports injury or an accidental fall. In fact, most fractures develop slowly over time due to everyday habits and structural weaknesses.
Here are the most common culprits behind a cracked tooth:
- Chewing hard objects: Chewing ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels puts more stress on your enamel than you may realize.
- Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding your teeth at night places unnatural force on teeth, wears down the enamel, and creates structural weak points that eventually break open.
- Large fillings: If a tooth has a very large, older silver filling, the remaining natural tooth structure is significantly weaker. Because the filling takes up so much space, the thin enamel walls are highly prone to cracking under normal chewing forces.
- Temperature extremes: Exposing your enamel to sudden, extreme temperature changes can cause the enamel to expand and contract too quickly, leading to surface cracks.
Signs Your Tooth is at Immediate Risk
If you experience any of the following warning signs, your tooth is in danger of structural failure or deep internal infection.
- Crack or chip caused by trauma: Damage that is caused by a physical impact should always be checked ASAP. The damage to the tooth could be worse than it appears, and there could be other damage to the surrounding tissue.
- Pain when releasing bite pressure: This is the classic symptom of a cracked tooth. If it hurts right as you stop biting down, the crack is actively shifting and pinching the inner nerve.
- Extreme temperature sensitivity: A sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods indicates the crack has penetrated deep enough into the dentin to expose the sensitive inner pulp.
- Swelling around the gumline: If the gum tissue directly next to the affected tooth becomes swollen, red, or tender, it often means the crack has allowed bacteria to enter, causing an active infection.
Treatment Options to Save a Cracked Tooth
When you catch a crack early, we have several highly effective ways to repair the damage and keep your natural tooth securely in your mouth.
Dental Bonding
If the crack is superficial and only affects the outer, cosmetic layer of the enamel, we can often repair it quickly and easily with dental bonding. We use a tooth-colored composite resin to fill the tiny fracture, sealing it off from destructive bacteria.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are basically partial crowns. They are used to fill large chips that a filling or bonding cannot cover. Inlays and onlays are custom-created to fit the missing section of the tooth. They are a useful option when the crack or chip is too large for bonding, but does not require a full crown.
Dental Crowns
A crown acts like a protective outer layer that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, but preserves the inner structures and nerves.
Root Canal
If the crack has reached the inner pulp and caused an infection, you may be in danger of an abscess. To save the tooth, we can perform a root canal to remove the damaged nerve tissue and thoroughly clear out the infection. Afterward, we place a custom crown over the tooth to restore its structural integrity and daily function.
Dental Implant
Sometimes, a tooth simply cannot be saved. In these unfortunate cases, the only viable option to protect your jawbone and surrounding teeth is a full extraction. Once the tooth is removed, a dental implant can restore your bite and prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place.
Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?
Early intervention is the absolute best way to protect your oral health and avoid complex, expensive procedures down the road. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, or if you are experiencing sudden sensitivity and pain when you bite down, do not wait for the problem to get worse. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment immediately.