Tooth enamel is made to withstand chewing, grinding, and other more intense jaw movements. However, like any bone in your body, your teeth can crack under pressure. If you experience discomfort in your jaw when you chew on certain foods, it’s one of many possible cracked tooth symptoms. If cracked teeth are left untreated, it can lead to more severe problems, potentially even requiring tooth extraction.
It is essential to consult a dental professional as soon as possible if you believe you have cracked teeth. Catching the problem early enables you to avoid more invasive dental options by repairing the cracked tooth, usually with a dental crown.
Cracked Tooth Symptoms to Watch For
If you crack a tooth, you may experience discomfort or not feel anything at all. Here’s our guide to the cracked tooth symptoms that indicate it’s time to schedule a dental appointment.
Your dentist can give you a diagnosis following a detailed oral examination.
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Discomfort while chewing or biting
Having cracked teeth might cause you to experience discomfort while chewing. You’ll most likely notice the discomfort after releasing the bite. The discomfort can range from mild to severe. Because the discomfort is intermittent, identifying a particular tooth is difficult.
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Inconsistent discomfort
A cracked tooth may not cause the chronic pain associated with cavities or abscesses.
Generally, discomfort from a crack is noticeable when you’re using your jaw in some capacity (talking, chewing, and brushing your teeth).
However, intermittent discomfort can occur even without pressure or chewing, depending on the length of the crack and the amount of pulp exposed.
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Increased sensitivity
Cracked teeth may be more sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks, as well as sweets. This sensitivity can feel like a mild throbbing or could even lead to a sharp, sudden sensation in the nerve endings.
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Gum swelling
There may also be gum swelling because of damage to the tooth’s pulp. At the site of the tooth, the gums may feel tender and appear red.
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Infection
An untreated cracked tooth can develop a pulp infection, causing the infection to spread into the gum and bone. You may also experience a fever, increased discomfort, tender glands, and bad breath. If any of these symptoms appear, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
If you believe you have cracked teeth, consult your dentist to ensure you get the proper dental treatment, such as dental crowns.
Types of Cracked Teeth
The appropriate treatment for cracked teeth depends on the type of broken teeth, their location in your mouth, and the extent of the cracks.
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Craze lines
Craze lines are the tiniest cracks in teeth and are also referred to as microfractures. You may not experience any noticeable symptoms if you have craze lines, although you can often feel them with your tongue. Your dentist should examine these lines, but they likely won’t require any further dental treatment.
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Fractured cusp
The fractured cusp occurs when the crown of the tooth extends subgingivally, usually around the filling. It may be either complete or incomplete.
The pulp of the tooth – which contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerve fibres – will generally remain unaffected. Your dentist can assess if you need restorative treatment, such as dental crowns.
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Cracked tooth
A fully cracked tooth may require a dental crown to restore it to its original state. A crack is an incomplete fracture of the tooth. A crack in a tooth starts at the crown and extends subgingivally. To minimise further damage to your tooth, it’s best to speak to your dentist. They will be able to offer an effective treatment such as dental crowns to restore the integrity and function of your damaged tooth.
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Split tooth
A split tooth is an even more severe level of the crack in which there is a complete fracture from the crown up to the gum. It is possible to have a split tooth if you have not sought treatment for a cracked tooth and the crack progressed. Your dentist will remove a split tooth and discuss your tooth replacement options such as a dental implant, partial denture or a dental bridge.
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Vertical root fracture
Vertical root fractures extend upwards from the gum line. This type of dental fracture usually does not cause significant symptoms, but infection may cause discomfort. This type of fracture may require antibiotics to combat the infection.
Dental Treatments for Cracked Teeth
Your dentist may recommend the following dental treatments for cracked teeth based on their condition.
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Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a treatment that uses soft composite resin to repair a small crack in the tooth. The dentist casts tooth-coloured resin for a seamless appearance and restores the function of your tooth simultaneously.
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Dental crowns
Dental crowns are ceramic or porcelain teeth made by taking impressions of the teeth and sending them to a dental lab where the crown is made. Once the dental crown is fabricated, it is fitted over the broken tooth and cemented in place by the dentist.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer CEREC crowns, which are a faster alternative since we can fabricate them on site. CEREC crowns also offer impeccable accuracy, giving you a crown that’s a perfect fit.
Dental crowns are helpful treatment options for teeth that have been damaged severely by disease or injury. A dental crown can repair a single tooth. Repairing the tooth using a dental crown also means that you can regain the proper function of your tooth, bite and smile.
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Root canal
If a crack is extensive and extends into the tooth, a dental professional may recommend a root canal to remove the infected pulp and protect the tooth from further deterioration or infection. After a root canal, a dental crown is generally placed over the tooth to restore its strength, function and appearance.
Don’t Ignore Cracked Tooth Symptoms
Saving your cracked teeth requires compassionate and skilled dental care. The No Gaps Dental dental team provides a range of restorative dental treatments, including dental crowns, bridges, implants, and composite fillings. Seeking dental care quickly when you notice symptoms of a cracked tooth can help save the tooth and your natural smile.
Book your appointment at any of our locations by calling us on (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.