Cracked Teeth: Accurate diagnosis and endodontic treatment followed by restorative treatment can preserve a cracked tooth
What is a cracked tooth?
Cracks can develop in our teeth over time as result of normal chewing forces or clenching and grinding. Cracks can also form after biting down on something hard when eating or after a traumatic injury. CBCT (3D) imaging is used to evaluate the bone around a tooth to assess the extent of the crack and likelihood for being able to save the tooth. Prompt endodontic and restorative treatment is imperative to increase the odds of being able to save a cracked tooth. Dr. Sullivan will evaluate your tooth to determine the extent of the crack and discuss treatment options with anticipated prognosis. Some types of cracks require no treatment at all and are best to monitor, some require a crown with your dentist, some require endodontic treatment to save, and some require extraction and prosthetic replacement.
What are some signs that I may have a cracked tooth?
-Constant tooth pain or tooth pain that comes and goes
-Pain when chewing or when biting down and then releasing
-Cold, hot, or sweet sensitivity
-A “crack” feeling or sound while eating
-In more severe cracks that have been left untreated, infection and swelling can develop
Types of Cracks and Treatment
Craze lines: Shallow, zig-zag cracks usually form in the enamel of your teeth and do not progress into the dentin or inner aspect of the tooth. These are typically superficial and do not require treatment.
Fractured cusp: When a piece of a tooth breaks off it is called a fractured cusp. Depending on the extent of the fracture and size of the piece that broke off, the tooth may need a root canal and a crown or may require extraction.
Cracked tooth: A crack that starts in the crown of the tooth and extends toward the gum line and some times will proceed below the gum line and down the root. If the crack is determined to extend into the pulp, a root canal and crown is indicated. In some cases a crack can be severe enough that the tooth can’t be saved with a root canal the tooth will require extraction.
Split tooth: A cracked tooth left untreated will often progress into being a split tooth. A split tooth is identified by having distinct segments with often a small separation between the segments. A split tooth will most likely require extraction. In some cases, if the split is above the level of the bone, the loose segment can be removed and the tooth saved with a possible root canal and crown.
Vertical root fracture: A crack starts at the tip of the root and extends toward the crown of the tooth. Vertical root fracture often results in extraction. In rare cases, the tooth can be preserved by removing the fractured portion of root.
