Cracked Teeth: 5 Types of Tooth Fractures

If you feel a sudden jolt of pain from biting down on food that disappears shortly after, your tooth might be cracked. These cracks can be sneaky and often challenging to see.

They cause unpredictable twinges of pain that come and go, resulting in discomfort throughout the day.

In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of cracked teeth, their signs, how they happen, and what you can do to save your smile.

What are the Different Types of Tooth Cracks?

There are many different types of tooth cracks, and they’re often found in posterior teeth. These include:

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth occurs when a vertical crack reaches from the tooth’s surface to the gum line. It may extend under the gums and into the root of the tooth.

A simple tooth crack is the most common type. One study of people with cracked teeth found that 81.3% of the participants had this type of crack.

Craze Lines 

Craze lines are hairline cracks that affect the outer enamel of the teeth. They typically cause no pain and don’t need treatment. 

Split Tooth

When a crack extends through the tooth, separating it into distinct segments, it becomes a split tooth. Often, a split tooth is not salvageable.

Fractured Cusp

A fractured cusp is most common around an old dental filling. It usually only affects the tooth’s chewing surface and doesn’t cause a lot of pain.

Vertical Root Fracture

This type of crack begins below the gum line and extends toward the tooth's surface. They range in length and may not cause symptoms until the tooth becomes infected.

What Causes Teeth to Crack?

Common causes of cracked teeth include:

• Teeth grinding
• Chewing hard objects
• Trauma or injury
• Age-related wear and tear
• Extreme temperatures

What Are the Symptoms of Cracked Teeth?

A cracked tooth can be difficult to notice because the pain comes and goes. However, there are a few telltale signs to be aware of:

• Sharp pain when chewing — You may feel a burst of pain when releasing pressure after a bite. This happens because cracked segments of the tooth move and irritate the pulp.
• Sensitivity to warm or cold foods — When a tooth’s dentin or pulp is exposed, sudden hot or cold temperatures can trigger discomfort. These sensations are often short-lived and fade as the tooth re-adjusts to the temperature.
• Intermittent pain patterns — You may feel fine throughout the whole day, but one bite of hard candy or crusty bread may spark pain and discomfort.
• Swelling — The area around the cracked tooth can become inflamed, resulting in pain around the teeth and gums.

How to Tell the Difference?

The symptoms of a cracked tooth often resemble other dental problems. Here are a few ways of telling the difference:

• Versus a cavity — Cracks typically cause acute, short biting pain, rather than the continuous, throbbing pain linked to large cavities.
• Versus gum disease — There’s no generalized swelling or deep pockets around all teeth—only in the area of the crack.
• Versus bruxism — Although grinding can lead to cracked teeth, the pain typically centers on a single damaged tooth rather than multiple.

5 Ways to Fix a Cracked Tooth

Treatment for a cracked tooth varies based on the type. You may not require treatment if the fracture is not noticeable or painful.

Here are some common options for fixing tooth fractures: 

• Dental bonding
• Crown
• Root canal
• Veneers 
• Extraction

These treatment options can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. However, insurance can help lessen the cost. 

The cost can also go down depending on the type of procedure. While waiting for treatment, avoid chewing on the affected side, use a desensitizing toothpaste, and apply a cold compress to swollen areas for 15-20 minutes at a time.

When to See a Dentist

Some cracks may not be visible or show any symptoms. Schedule a visit with your dentist if you can see a crack or have persistent symptoms.

If you know you have a cracked tooth, seek dental attention immediately. If you have any of the following symptoms, visit your dentist because it may be a sign of a tooth infection:

• Bad breath
• Consistent toothache
• Fever
• Swollen gums or lymph nodes
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold sensations

Tips for Preventing Tooth Fractures 

There’s no way to treat cracked teeth yourself, but you can take steps to prevent them in the future. Tips for avoiding tooth fractures include:

• Practice good dental hygiene
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Avoid chewing hard foods or ice
• Wear a mouthguard for sports or if you grind your teeth at night

If you have a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply an ice pack to the outside of your mouth to prevent swelling. 

You can also take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. Make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible.

Risks and Complications of Cracked Teeth

Leaving a cracked or fractured tooth untreated can lead to later complications. One of the most significant risks is tooth infection or dental abscess.

This involves a dental infection spreading to your bone and gums. In some cases, the infection can spread into your bloodstream, resulting in long-term health issues.

Another potential risk is pulp necrosis. This causes the pulp inside the cracked tooth to become inflamed and even die due to microleakage. It is the most commonly reported complication in tooth fractures.

How is a Cracked Tooth Diagnosed?

Dentists employ a combination of:

• X-rays or CBCT Scans to gauge fracture depth.
• Transillumination and dyes to pinpoint crack lines.
• Bite tests to confirm pain upon release.

They might reference guidelines like the Iowa Staging Index, which classifies cracks from superficial to deep. This can help decide whether the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted.