Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth show up in a lot of different ways — pain when chewing, sensitivity to temperature, or a sharp twinge right as you release a bite. Pain can also come and go, which makes the cause tricky to pin down.
Chewing moves the cracked pieces of the tooth and irritates the pulp inside, and when biting pressure releases, the crack can snap shut quickly and cause sharp pain. Left alone, the pulp eventually becomes damaged and the tooth starts hurting even when you’re not chewing — and the crack can lead to infection that spreads to the surrounding bone and gum.
Types of Cracks
Craze Lines
Tiny cracks affecting only the outer enamel, more common in adults. These are superficial and typically nothing to worry about.
Fractured Cusp
When a cusp weakens, it can fracture and break off or need to be removed by a dentist. If the pulp is damaged, a root canal may be needed, usually followed by a full crown.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This crack extends from the chewing surface down toward the root, sometimes below the gum line. Pulp damage is common, and root canal treatment is usually necessary. Left untreated, it will worsen and can lead to losing the tooth — early detection matters here.
Split Tooth
Usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth, identifiable by distinct segments. A split tooth can’t be saved intact — occasionally a portion can be preserved with endodontic treatment and restoration, but otherwise extraction is needed.
Vertical Root Fracture
Starting at the root and extending toward the chewing surface, these show minimal symptoms and often go unnoticed. Treatment may involve endodontic surgery to remove the fractured portion if part of the tooth can be saved; otherwise extraction is required.
Watch: Understanding Cracked Teeth
Think you might have a cracked tooth? We’re happy to take a look.
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