Fractured or Cracked Tooth Treatment

Fractured or Cracked Tooth Treatment

What is cracked tooth syndrome?

• Cracked tooth syndrome is a condition where a tooth has a crack or fracture line that extends from the biting surface toward the root of the tooth.
• Over time, the crack extends further and this causes the tooth to split more and more
• This can cause dental pain as this condition often affects the nerves in the cracked tooth

What causes cracked teeth?

• This might have happened after a specific event. For example, it could have happened because you bit down on something hard. It could also happen if you experience trauma to the mouth
• However, it might also be something that has happened because of the normal wear and tear that our teeth experience over time. Grinding and clenching of your teeth is something that can happen consciously or subconsciously (even while asleep). This wear and tear that your teeth experience can eventually lead to weakening of the structure, causing it to crack
• Previous dental work such as large fillings or root canal treatment, can predispose your tooth to cracking. This is why our dentist might advise or recommend a crown to protect the tooth from crack.

What might it feel like if I have a cracked tooth?

• A cracked tooth can often occur without having any of the tooth structure breaking off, and the crack is also often not even visible to the naked eye – you might not notice any change to how the tooth looks and feels at all
• The symptoms of a cracked tooth would typically include:
  • Pain when chewing or biting down
  • Sharp pain on the release from biting
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
  • Sensitivity to sweet or acidic food and drink
  • Sharp pain in relation to your teeth, but having trouble determining the specific tooth causing the pain
• If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. This increases the chance of being able to save the tooth if it is indeed cracked.

How will the dentist determine if I have a cracked tooth?

• Cracked tooth syndrome will be something our dentist considers as a potential diagnosis if you report symptoms of dental pain.
• Diagnosing cracked tooth syndrome is often challenging and often based on eliminating all other possibilities.
• This is because the crack line is often too fine to be seen visually or on an X-ray.
• Additional tests to see how your tooth responds to pressure, temperature, or biting forces will be performed by our dentist to get a full picture of the situation, helping them come to an appropriate diagnosis of the situation
• After identifying a crack, it is important for the dentist to diagnose the direction of the crack on the tooth. This is because the direction of the crack significantly affects the plan and prognosis of the tooth.

What are the treatment options if I have a cracked tooth?

• The treatment you might require for a cracked tooth will depend on the location and severity of the crack
  • A large filling or a crown might be suitable if the crack has not yet compromised the health of the tooth’s pulp. The filling or crown will serve to protect the tooth from further crack propagation, maintaining its structure and durability
  • Root canal treatment might be warranted if the crack has progressed to the point where it compromises the health of the tooth’s pulp. This will be associated with the severity of your symptoms and will be something our dentist helps you to determine
  • In extreme cases, a crack through a tooth might be so severe that the tooth can no longer be saved. The tooth will thus need to be taken out, and replacement options such as implants, bridges, or dentures, might be worth considering.
• Unfortunately, cracked teeth carry an unpredictable prognosis. It is hard to be certain that treatment will permanently resolve the issue. Therefore, it is important to consider your options with a dentist with experience in this field.
• It is also a good idea to consider if you are at risk of developing cracked teeth. If you have large fillings, have had previous root canal treatment, or are aware that you clench or grind your teeth, it is worthwhile talking to our dentist about what can be done to protect your teeth while they are still healthy.