A cracked tooth is a common dental emergency that can happen due to different reasons. When it comes to dental emergencies, recognizing the symptoms and acting as quickly as possible can make a big difference. This guide covers everything you need to know about a tooth fracture, from understanding the types and causes to treatment options and prevention.
What Are Cracked Teeth?
Cracked teeth can happen when a tooth is damaged by pressure, injury, or wear and tear. The severity of these cracks can vary from superficial lines on the enamel to deeper breaks that can affect the tooth’s core or root.
Types of Cracked Teeth
- Craze lines are small, shallow cracks in the enamel. These are usually painless and don’t require treatment. Above all, craze lines can be considered cosmetic issues.
- Fractured cusps happen when a piece of the chewing surface breaks off. This usually happens around a filling. Fractured cusps often cause little to no pain.
- Cracks extending to the gum line are another type of tooth fracture that can cause severe pain and sensitivity in the tooth. This type of cracked tooth should be treated quickly to prevent infection.
- A Split tooth happens when a crack divides a tooth into two parts. Unfortunately, treatment might not be enough to save this tooth. In such cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
- Vertical root fractures start at the root and extend upwards. They often go unnoticed until surrounding tissue or bone becomes infected.
Causes of Cracked Teeth
There are several reasons for a cracked tooth, including:
- Chewing on hard foods like ice, candy, or nuts puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth, which can lead to a tooth fracture.
- A blow to the mouth from an accident or sports can crack teeth.
- If you have the habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), your teeth are more likely to become cracked.
- Eating or drinking very hot and then cold foods can cause teeth to expand and contract. This weakens your tooth enamel over time and causes a cracked tooth.
- Since normal wear and tear on teeth happens over time, older people are more likely to face a cracked tooth dental emergency.
Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Some tooth cracks can wait to be treated in a dental appointment. Some others need to be addressed quickly. How do you know if your tooth fracture is a dental emergency or not? This section provides you with the necessary information.
Symptoms to Watch For
What are the symptoms that tell you your tooth might be cracked? Here are 4 common ones.
- You experience tooth pain when biting or chewing.
- Your tooth has become sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods. This means that your tooth’s nerve is being threatened.
- There is swelling or soreness around a cracked tooth. This can be a sign of infection.
- Pain that comes and goes.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you have severe pain or there is visible bleeding or swelling around your tooth, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Another warning sign is a loose tooth. If you feel that your tooth is moving, it can indicate that the tooth is badly damaged. Finally, if you can clearly see a large crack, you should address it fast.
Don’t ignore these signs since they can lead to more complications. Delaying your treatment compromises your oral health on a deeper level, and you’ll need more complex treatments to fix the issue.
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Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
There are several options to treat tooth fractures. The severity of the crack should be assessed first, and then the right treatment can be chosen accordingly.
Emergency Dental Care
An emergency dentist can stop the pain and infection in the shortest time possible. While you wait to see the dentist, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and put an ice pack on your cheek. Plus, avoid chewing on the cracked side. These will help you manage your pain before you can get professional help.
Dental Fillings
If the crack is small, it can be fixed with dental fillings. These cracks don’t affect the deeper layers of the tooth, and a filling can successfully restore the tooth. The composite resin material is used for dental fillings, which can be matched to the natural color of your tooth. So you don’t need to worry about the look.
Dental Crowns
For teeth that are more damaged, a crown may be a better option. A crown covers your entire tooth, so it can act as a protective piece. Teeth that are badly damaged can be strengthened using crowns. If the crack is large, a crown can prevent it from getting even larger. Dental crowns are also natural-looking.
Preventing the Cracked Teeth in the Future
Although tooth fracture can happen accidentally and cause a dental emergency, it doesn’t mean that you can’t prevent it. You can take care of several things to keep your teeth in their best shape.
Stick to a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Having a proper brushing and flossing routine is the best thing you can do for your teeth. It prevents a lot of serious oral issues and keeps your teeth strong. Another great oral health booster is regular check-ups to detect early signs of problems and treat them timely.
Avoid Hard Foods
Hard foods can damage your teeth and create functional and cosmetic problems. Among them are ice and candy. Limit your consumption of these foods and eat them with precaution. In addition, you shouldn’t use your teeth as tools to open packages.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night or participate in contact sports, you need to be more careful with your teeth. As accidents and injuries are more likely for you, consider wearing a mouthguard. You can receive a custom-fitted one at the dental clinic.
Bottom Line
A cracked tooth is a common dental emergency that can range from small cracks to large fractures. If you’re experiencing some warning signs like pain or swelling, it’s best that you see an emergency dentist. They will find the issue and treat it quickly so it doesn’t turn into a bigger problem.
Do you need quick dental care from experienced and compassionate dentists? 6006 Yonge Dental is the right destination. With fast response times and efficient treatment methods, we make sure that your oral health is in the best shape. Book your appointment now.
FAQs
Can a cracked tooth cause serious problems?
Yes, a cracked tooth can lead to infections, severe pain, and further damage if left untreated. Serious cases may affect surrounding teeth or even require tooth extraction.
How long can I wait to see a dentist for a cracked tooth?
For minor cracks, a few days may be safe. However, for painful, deep, or visibly large cracks, see a dentist immediately to prevent worsening or infection.
Are there home remedies for a cracked tooth?
Home remedies can temporarily relieve discomfort. Rinse with warm salt water, avoid hard foods, and use over-the-counter pain relievers. However, dental treatment is essential for full repair.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked tooth?
Repair costs vary widely based on the treatment needed. Severe cases like root canals or extractions may be more expensive.
