About this treatment
Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when chewing, possibly with release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have difficulty locating which tooth is causing the discomfort. If you are experiencing these symptoms or suspect a cracked tooth, give us a call.
Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
When the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces, and the pulp can become irritated. Eventually the pulp will become damaged to the point that it can no longer heal itself. The tooth will not only hurt when chewing but may also become sensitive to temperature extremes. Extensive cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the tooth.
Types of cracks
Craze lines
Tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. Extremely common in adult teeth, very shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond appearances.
Fractured cusp
When a piece of a tooth's chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling. It rarely damages the pulp and usually doesn't cause much pain; a new filling or crown protects the tooth.
Cracked tooth
A crack extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. Early diagnosis is important — if the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with root canal treatment and a crown. A crack below the gum line means the tooth cannot be saved.
Split tooth
Often the result of long-term progression of a cracked tooth, identified by distinct segments that can be separated. In some cases, endodontic treatment may save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical root fracture
Cracks that begin in the root and extend toward the chewing surface, often with minimal symptoms. Endodontic surgery is sometimes appropriate if a tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured portion.
Will my tooth completely heal?
Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal. The treatment you receive 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.