Have you ever felt a sharp pain when biting down or noticed a strange line on your tooth? It could be a cracked tooth.
Learn the different types of cracks, how to spot the signs, and understand why early diagnosis is key to protecting your smile.
How to Identify Different Types of Cracked Teeth
It’s not always easy to spot a cracked tooth, which can be problematic because cracked teeth can be a major dental issue if left untreated. Here are the types of cracked teeth and what you can look out for to spot them:
- Craze lines — Super-thin cracks that affect the tooth’s outer layer (enamel). They’re not considered dental emergencies and don’t usually cause pain or require treatment.
- Fractured cusp — This happens when a piece of your back tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around an old filling. Although it might not cause pain, you can feel a sharp edge on your tongue.
- Cracked tooth—A crack that reaches toward the tooth’s root and/or pulp often requires urgent dental care. This type of crack may cause pain and temperature sensitivity.
- Split tooth — A cracked tooth that has distinctly separated into two pieces. Unfortunately, saving the whole tooth at this stage is impossible.
- Vertical root fracture — A serious crack that starts deep in the root and extends upward. It may not always cause symptoms initially but could lead to infection over time.
Signs & Symptoms of Cracked Teeth
While not all cracked teeth cause obvious symptoms, here are a few things to watch out for:
- Sharp pain when chewing or biting down
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food
- Swollen or tender gums
- Discomfort
- Visible lines or breaks
- Intermittent pain that comes and goes
You shouldn't rule out a cracked tooth even if you don’t have visible symptoms. Dentists have specialized tools to diagnose cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If you think you have a cracked tooth, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. The sooner it gets diagnosed and treated, the better your chances are of saving the tooth.
Your dentist will use various tools to examine your tooth, the location of the crack, and its severity. While some cracks are obvious, others can be tricky to pinpoint.
This is why dentists use different investigative techniques to make an accurate diagnosis.
How to Diagnose a Cracked tooth
- Exam & questions — The dentist will carefully examine your teeth for visible cracks and other signs of damage. They'll also ask you about your symptoms and possible causes.
- The "bite test" — They’ll ask you to bite on something to reproduce the pain and help your dentist pinpoint the problem.
- Dye test — They’ll apply a special blue dye to your tooth to make subtle cracks more visible as the dye gets into small openings.
- Transillumination — Shining a bright light through your tooth can help your dentist spot cracks that aren't obvious on the surface.
- X-rays — While not all cracks show up on standard X-rays, X-rays may help detect changes in the ligament around the tooth, which may suggest the presence of a crack.
- Advanced imaging — For complex or difficult-to-locate cracks, your dentist might recommend a special type of 3D imaging called a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography).
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of cracked teeth. Seeking early evaluation and treatment can make all the difference in ensuring a swift recovery and a healthy smile.
Treatment for Cracked Teeth
After getting diagnosed, your dentist will determine the most appropriate treatment method for your specific situation. Treatment can range from simple fixes like bonding to more complex procedures like root canals.
However, the right treatment hinges on where the crack is located and the extent of the crack:
- Minor cracks — Craze lines are often left alone unless they cause cosmetic concerns. Some polishing or smoothing might be all that's necessary.
- Fractured cusp — These are usually fixed with filling material, bonding, or dental crowns.
- Cracked tooth — Often requires a crown to hold the tooth together, but if the crack reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary in addition to a crown.
- Split tooth — A split tooth can’t be saved, but a root canal and crown can salvage parts of it. Otherwise, an extraction might be the only option.
- Vertical root fracture — These hard-to-treat cracks often start from the root up. Unfortunately, tooth extraction is usually the most viable option.
Tips for Preventing A Cracked Tooth
When it comes to dental health, prevention is always better than cure, and cracked teeth are no exception. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of cracking your teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard when doing sports and other risky activities
- Wear a night guard if you unconsciously grind your teeth at night
- Avoid biting into candies, popcorn kernels, and things that can harm your teeth
- Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or tearing through packaging
- Have crowns placed soon after root canal treatment on back teeth or very broken down teeth
- See your dentist regularly to spot problems early on
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Although these tips prevent cracked teeth, having a solid oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining oral health. Here’s how you can practice good oral health and improve your teeth’s resistance:
- Regularly brush and floss your teeth
- Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Get professional dental cleanings
- Don’t smoke
Overall, adopting healthy dental practices can help protect your teeth from specific injuries and oral diseases. It’s also good for building long-term oral health.
