Cracked teeth are a relatively common dental issue. They can be caused by various things such as grinding, chewing on hard foods, and can also be the result of natural wear and tear over time.
There are a number of different things which can cause the teeth to crack. Common causes include the following:
1. Grinding the teeth which places extreme pressure on the teeth
2. Large fillings which compromise the tooth’s function
3. Eating hard foods
4. Trauma to the mouth from an accident, sports injury, accident or other unexpected event
5. Extreme temperature changes in the mouth
6. Natural wear and tear which comes with age
While a cracked tooth does not always result in symptoms, below are some of the most common symptoms:
- Discomfort when chewing
- Sensitive to hot, cold, and sweets
- Sporadic pain
- Gum swelling near the impacted tooth
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to diagnose a cracked tooth as the crack is not always visible and may not cause any symptoms. It can even be difficult to see a crack on an x-ray. Below are some of the things a dentist will do to diagnose a cracked tooth:
- Review dental history and discuss any habits which may contribute to a cracked tooth
- Complete a visual examination
- Use hand tools to feel for a crack
- Apply a dental dye to make the crack more visible
- Evaluate the gums and look for signs of inflammation
- Order X-rays which can help expose if a crack exists
- Bite down on something or spray the teeth with cold air
The ideal treatment will vary based on things such as the size or location of the crack, symptoms, and severity. Treatments which are commonly used for cracked teeth are summarized below.
Bonding
The dentist will use a plastic resin material to fill in the crack. The bonding helps restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Crown
Dental crowns are prosthetic devices which are commonly made of porcelain or ceramic. The crown fits snuggle over the damaged tooth and acts as a cap. When the dentist is fitting a crown, some enamel will be removed from the natural tooth to ensure it fits properly. The dental professional will then obtain an impression of the tooth and select a color to closely match the adjacent teeth. The impression will be sent to the dental lab where the crown is being made. This process typically takes a couple of weeks start to finish. Once the crown is ready, the dentist will fit the crown and cement it in place over the cracked tooth. A temporary crown can be used while the permanent crown is being created, if needed.
Some dentists can make a porcelain crown right in the office and place it in a single day. Crowns can last a lifetime when patients practice good oral hygiene and properly care for the crown.
Root Canal
In cases of a crack which has damage that extends into the tooth’s pulp, the dentist will likely suggest a root canal. This procedure works by removing the damaged pulp and restoring the tooth with a crown. This procedure often helps preserve the tooth and restore its function.
Removal
In the event of a severe crack when the tooth is damaged beyond repair, the tooth may require extraction. This is typically used as a last resort and the dentist can review tooth-replacement options.
It is quite common for patients to have small, hairline cracks on the tooth’s enamel. When the crack is not visible and does not cause any symptoms, it may be fine to take no action and leave the tooth alone.
Patients with concerns regarding their cracked teeth should follow up with a dentist to discuss their treatment options.
