Cracked Teeth
A cracked or fractured tooth can occur due to teeth grinding, injury, general wear and tear, or the effects of aging. You may experience symptoms like pain, swelling, or increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures if there is a crack in your tooth.
If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to further damage, such as deep fractures, infection of the inner pulp, or weakening of nearby teeth. It can also cause ongoing discomfort and, in severe cases, result in tooth loss. The sooner you address the issue, the better your chances of preserving your natural tooth and avoiding complications.
At Hampden Ave Dental, we customize treatment based on the type, location, and severity of the cracked tooth. From minor surface cracks to more complex fractures, we recommend the most effective treatment options to restore your tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.
Our expert team focuses on preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible while ensuring long-term comfort and stability.
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Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is exactly what it sounds like — a break or fracture in the tooth’s structure. Cracks can develop in any tooth, but they are most commonly found in the upper front teeth and the lower back molars (mandibular molars), which tend to absorb the most pressure from daily chewing and grinding.
These cracks can affect the tooth enamel (the strong outer covering) or extend deep into the tooth root, causing significant pain. Some cracks are visible, but many are hidden, only detected through symptoms or advanced diagnostic imaging.
There are several types of cracked teeth, and understanding which kind you have is essential to determine the best treatment option.
- Craze Lines: These are tiny, superficial cracks in the enamel. These are common and typically harmless.
- Fractured Cusp: This type of crack occurs when a piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling. It is usually not painful but may need repair.
- Cracked Tooth: It happens when a vertical crack starts on the biting surface and may extend toward the gumline. Sometimes, this crack extends into the tooth roots. This type of crack often requires more extensive treatment.
- Split Tooth: This refers to a crack that divides the tooth into distinct segments from its surface to below the gum line.
- Vertical Root Fracture: This type of crack begins below the gum line and travels upward. It does not typically cause symptoms until the tooth becomes infected.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
Several everyday habits and conditions can contribute to cracked teeth. Common causes of a cracked tooth include:
- Chewing Hard Foods: Ice, hard candy, nuts, and even popcorn kernels can put immense pressure on your teeth.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching weakens teeth over time, often causing cracks that worsen gradually.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or even biting something the wrong way can lead to immediate tooth fractures.
- Large Fillings: If a filling is too big, the remaining natural tooth structure may become too weak to support normal chewing forces.
- Age: Your teeth experience natural wear and tear with age, making them more vulnerable to cracks.
Understanding the root cause helps us treat the issue at hand and guide you in preventing future damage.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Cracks, no matter how small, can deepen or spread over time. This creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the inner layers of your tooth, specifically the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside.
This can result in inflammation, painful infections, or even abscesses that compromise the entire tooth structure. In the most severe cases, untreated cracks may lead to tooth loss.
That’s why early intervention is key. Prompt treatment helps preserve your natural tooth and prevent further damage and also reduces your risk of needing more invasive procedures at a later point.
Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth
Since cracks are often invisible to the naked eye, diagnosing a cracked tooth requires a thorough approach. We may use a combination of the following to confirm the diagnosis.
- Visual Examination: We carefully inspect your teeth for subtle cracks, lines, or signs of unusual wear.
- Tactile Testing: Using gentle dental instruments, we check for rough edges or weak spots that might indicate a fracture.
- Bite Tests: We may ask you to bite down on a small object, such as a soft stick or bite tab, so we can isolate the exact area that triggers pain or pressure.
- Digital X-rays: While cracks don’t always show up on X-rays, these images help us rule out other causes of discomfort and spot any signs of infection or bone loss.
- 3D Imaging (if needed): For more complex cases, we may use advanced 3D imaging technology to get a clear view of your tooth’s internal and root structures.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
Treatment depends on the location, severity, and type of crack. At Hampden Ave Dental, we create a custom plan to restore the integrity, function, and appearance of your tooth.
Treatment options we may recommend include:
- Dental Bonding or Fillings: For minor cracks that affect only the enamel, we often use tooth-colored dental fillings to seal the crack and restore the tooth’s surface. This is a quick and non-invasive option for smaller issues.
- Dental Crowns: When a crack compromises the structure of the tooth but doesn’t reach the pulp, a crown is often the best solution. A custom crown covers the entire tooth, reinforcing its strength and preventing further damage.
- Root Canal Therapy: A root canal may be necessary if the crack extends into the pulp. This procedure involves removing the damaged nerve tissue, disinfecting the area, and sealing it to prevent infection.
- Tooth Extraction: Unfortunately, some cracks, especially split teeth or vertical root fractures, may make a tooth unsalvageable. In these cases, we’ll discuss safe and effective extraction procedures followed by tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, to restore your smile.
How to Prevent Cracked Teeth
While some causes of cracked teeth are unavoidable, many are preventable with good habits and routine care. We advise following the steps below to take care of your teeth.
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth to reduce pressure and prevent cracking.
- Avoid chewing hard substances, such as ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Use a sports mouthguard if you play contact sports to shield your teeth from injury.
- Address bite imbalances since misaligned bites can create uneven force distribution.
- Routine dental checkups allow us to catch small cracks before they become bigger problems.
Expert Dental Care for Cracked Teeth in Lakewood, CO
At Hampden Ave Dental, we combine advanced diagnostic tools, expert restorative care, and a warm, welcoming environment to ensure you feel informed, at ease, and confident in your treatment.
To schedule a consultation for cracked teeth, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.
