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Understanding Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can present various symptoms such as pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature, and sudden release of biting pressure. The pain may come and go, making it challenging to pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Chewing can cause the cracked pieces of the tooth to move, leading to irritation of the pulp inside. When biting pressure is released, the crack may close rapidly, causing sharp pain. Over time, the pulp may become damaged, resulting in consistent pain even when not chewing. Cracks can potentially lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which may spread to the surrounding bone and gum.
Types of Cracks
Craze lines
Tiny cracks that only impact the outer enamel of the tooth are more frequently seen in adults. These superficial cracks are typically not a cause for concern.
Fractured Cusp
If a cusp is weakened, it could result in a fracture. If this happens, a dentist may have to remove or repair the broken cusp. Luckily, a fractured cusp usually does not damage the pulp, so a root canal is often unnecessary. Your dentist will probably suggest restoring the tooth with a full crown.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This specific type of crack begins at the top of the tooth and progresses downwards towards the root, potentially extending below the gum line. It may also reach into the root, resulting in harm to the pulp. In such cases, root canal therapy is typically necessary. Neglecting a cracked tooth can result in deterioration and eventual tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to identify and treat the problem promptly.
Split Tooth
Failure to address a cracked tooth may lead to it splitting into distinct segments. While a split tooth cannot be saved entirely, certain portions may be salvageable depending on the severity and location of the problem. In some instances, a combination of endodontic retreatment by a doctor and restoration by a dentist could potentially save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. These fractures may not show many symptoms and can be easily missed. Treatment usually involves endodontic surgery to remove the fractured root and preserve the tooth, but in severe cases, extraction may be required.