Juno Beach Office:
Cracked Teeth and the Risks They Pose
Modern lifestyles often expose our teeth to years of wear and stress, including habits like clenching, grinding, or chewing on hard objects. Over time, these actions can make teeth more prone to cracks.
Cracked teeth may require treatment to prevent further damage to the tooth structure and surrounding tissue. Early intervention can help preserve your natural teeth and avoid more extensive procedures in the future.
Not all cracked teeth show visible damage. Common symptoms include sudden or inconsistent pain while chewing and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Because the discomfort may come and go, identifying the exact tooth causing the problem can sometimes be challenging.
What Causes Pain from Cracked Teeth?
When the outer layer of a tooth cracks, chewing can cause the pieces to move slightly, irritating the pulp inside. As you release pressure, the crack can snap shut, triggering a sharp, sudden pain. This cycle of irritation can repeat with every bite.
Over time, the pulp may become too damaged to heal on its own. The tooth can start to hurt not only during chewing but also when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
If left untreated, a cracked tooth can eventually cause persistent pain and may lead to infection, which can spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissue, putting your overall oral health at risk.
Different Types of Cracked Teeth
The type, location, and severity of a crack determine the best treatment approach and the likely outcome for your tooth.
- Craze Lines: Tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. Extremely common in adult teeth, these are shallow, painless, and primarily a cosmetic concern.
- Fractured Cusp: Occurs when a cusp (the pointed part of the chewing surface) weakens and breaks. Sometimes it breaks on its own, or an endodontist may need to remove it. Pain is usually relieved, and the pulp is rarely affected, so root canal treatment is seldom required. The tooth is typically restored with a full crown.
- Cracked Tooth: Cracks that extend from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. The tooth may not be completely split, but pulp damage is common, often necessitating root canal treatment. A crown can hold the pieces together and protect the tooth. If the crack extends below the gum line, extraction may be needed.
- Split Tooth: Often the result of a long-standing cracked tooth. The tooth shows distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact, but in some cases, part of the tooth may be preserved with endodontic treatment and a crown or other restoration.
- Vertical Root Fracture: Cracks that begin in the root and extend toward the chewing surface. These fractures often have minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed until infection affects the surrounding bone and gum. Treatment may require extraction, though in certain cases, endodontic surgery can save part of the tooth.
How to Prevent Cracked Teeth
Though cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or pens.
- Refrain from clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Use a mouthguard or protective mask during contact sports.
Spotting Cracks Early Matters
Identifying cracks early is crucial. Even with advanced magnification and specialized lighting, assessing the full extent of a crack can be difficult. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen over time and may eventually need to be removed. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving these teeth and maintaining your smile.