Cracked Tooth Treatments
A cracked tooth is a common condition that can result from chewing hard foods, grinding of the teeth while sleeping, and normal aging. If you are 50 or older, you are more likely to have a cracked tooth than a younger person.
Types of cracked teeth include craze lines, which are very small cracks in the tooth enamel that are usually not painful; a fractured cusp, or a crack around a dental filling; vertical cracks that start at biting surface; a tooth that splits into two separate pieces; and a vertical root fracture, which begins below the gum line and travels toward the biting surface. In any of these cases, if the crack has injured the tooth pulp, it could lead to infection.
Depending on the size and location of the crack and whether it extends into your gum line, your dentist may recommend the following treatments, with the goal of restoring the look and function of your cracked tooth:
- Bonding is a procedure where a plastic resin is used to fill the crack.
- Veneers are custom-made porcelain or plastic shells that fit over the front of your tooth.
- A crown is a dental prosthetic that is usually ceramic or porcelain. A crown fits over the cracked tooth, creating a protective cap.
- A root canal may be necessary when a crack is so extensive that it extends into the tooth pulp. Removing the damaged tooth pulp helps prevent a cracked tooth from becoming further infected or weakened.
- Extraction may be necessary when the tooth structure, along with the nerves and roots, is severely damaged. Removing the tooth may be your only option.
Sometimes the treatment is—no treatment. Many adults develop tiny cracks in the enamel of their teeth that do not cause pain or affect appearance. In such cases, your dentist will likely advise a wait-and-see approach. It is possible the crack will not develop further and will not be an issue for your dental health.
Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth
Symptoms of a cracked tooth vary from person to person. For diagnosis, your dentist will likely start with an X-ray, which can indicate cracks or issues with the tooth pulp. But X-rays do not always show a cracked tooth. One or more of the following steps may be needed for your dentist to identify the cracked tooth:
- Dental history questions will determine whether you chew hard foods or grind your teeth.
- A visual examination with a magnifying lens may enable your dentist to see tiny cracks.
- Feeling for the crack using a dental explorer over and around the tooth may help your dentist find cracks.
- Dental dye may show the crack.
- Probing the gums for inflammation is a technique that is especially helpful in identifying vertical cracks, which can irritate the gums.
Additionally, your dentist may have you bite on a hard plastic implement. Pain when you release your bite may indicate a cracked tooth.
Self-Care and Prevention
Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to crack. Practice good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Make an appointment with your dentist every six months for preventive care.
Additional self-care and prevention suggestions include avoiding chewing on hard foods, wearing a mouth guard if you play contact sports, and using a mouth guard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
If you think you have a cracked tooth, a good practice is rinsing with warm water after meals to lightly clean your mouth. Use a cold compress on your cheek if swelling develops. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers containing ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and pain. See your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment will only make your problem worse.