CRACKED TEETH

Because we live longer today, we are exposing our teeth too many more years of potentially damaging habits such as clenching, grinding, and chewing on hard objects.

These habits make our teeth more susceptible to cracks. Access Endodontics may treat a cracked tooth to prevent further damage to the tooth structure and tissue.

Cracked teeth do not always show any visible signs of damage, but may present a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when you chew with them, and pain or sensitivity to heat and cold. In many cases, the pain may come and go, making it difficult for your doctor to locate the source.

Why does a cracked tooth hurt?

A cavity is an open space in your teeth caused by decay or injury. The pain you feel when chewing may indicate that there's some damage happening inside of it, but more importantly for us dental professionals out here - they're also susceptible to infections! This means if we don't treat them quickly enough with antibiotics then those cracks will spread even further until everything else falls apart around the area affected including nerves and blood vessels which can lead directly into loss of function (and functionality).

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Types of Cracked Teeth

There are different types of cracked teeth. The treatment and outcome for your tooth depends on the type, location, and extent of the crack.

Cusp Fracture

When a cusp (the pointed part of the chewing surface) becomes weakened, a fracture can result. The weakened cusp may break off by itself or have to be removed by your endodontist. When this happens, the pain will usually be relieved. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is seldom needed. Your tooth will usually be restored with a full crown.

Cracked Tooth

Some cracks extend from the chewing surface of the tooth toward the root. A cracked tooth may not be completely separated into two distinct segments. Because of the position of the crack, damage to the pulp is common. Root canal treatment is frequently needed to treat the injured pulp.

Access Endodontics will restore your tooth with a crown to hold the pieces together and protect the cracked tooth. At times, the crack may extend below the gingival tissue line, which requires extraction.

Split Tooth

A split tooth is often the result of long-term separation of a cracked tooth. The split tooth is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth is rarely saved intact. The position and extent of the crack, however, will determine whether a part of the tooth can be saved. In rare instances, endodontic treatment and a crown or other restoration may be used to save a portion of the tooth.

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 until the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment may entail extraction of the tooth. However, endodontic surgery is sometimes appropriate if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root.

Cracked Teeth - Prevention

While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.

• Don't chew on hard objects such as ice,  popcorn kernels, or candy.
• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard or protective devices when playing contact sports.

Early diagnosis is important. Even with specialized dental equipment and special lighting, it can be challenging to determine the extent of a crack. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, and eventually result in the loss of the tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to saving these teeth.

If you have any symptoms of a tooth fracture, contact Access Endodontics to schedule an appointment.