Wellington Office:
Preventing Cracked Teeth for a Healthy Smile
With modern life’s stresses and habits, our teeth are exposed to more wear and tear than ever before. Habits like clenching, grinding, and chewing on hard objects can weaken teeth, making them more susceptible to cracks.
At Modern Dental Smiles in Wellington, we offer treatment for cracked teeth to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.
Why Cracked Teeth Hurt
When the hard outer layer of your tooth cracks, chewing can cause movement in the tooth, irritating the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). This irritation can lead to sharp, momentary pain when pressure is applied during chewing, which quickly disappears when pressure is released.
As the crack progresses, the pulp becomes damaged and can no longer heal itself, leading to persistent pain and sensitivity to temperature. Over time, the crack may cause pain even without chewing, and if untreated, can lead to infection in the pulp, gums, and bone.
Types of Cracked Teeth
- Craze Lines: These are tiny cracks in the enamel and are common in adult teeth. No pain is associated with these, and they generally only affect appearance.
- Fractured Cusp: The cusp (the pointed part of the tooth) can become weakened and break off. This usually causes pain, which is often relieved when the fractured cusp is removed. Root canal treatment is rarely necessary, and a full crown is typically used for restoration.
- Cracked Tooth: Cracks that extend vertically from the chewing surface toward the root. These cracks often affect the pulp and may require root canal therapy. A crown is used to restore the tooth and hold the pieces together. In severe cases, the crack may extend beneath the gumline, requiring extraction.
- Split Tooth: A split tooth is the result of a cracked tooth that has progressed to the point where distinct segments are separated. Unfortunately, a split tooth cannot be saved intact, but part of the tooth may be preserved with endodontic treatment and a crown, depending on the crack’s position.
- Vertical Root Fracture: These cracks begin in the root and extend toward the chewing surface. Symptoms are often minimal until infection spreads to the bone and gums. Treatment may require extraction, but in some cases, endodontic surgery can save part of the tooth.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
Although cracked teeth are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth, especially during stressful moments or sleep.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when engaging in contact sports to protect your teeth.
Early Diagnosis is Key
Even with the use of high magnification and special lighting, it can be difficult to detect cracks in teeth early. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen over time, eventually resulting in the need for extraction. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to saving your teeth and avoiding more serious dental issues down the road.