A tooth crack is a tooth damage that results in the formation of a fracture gap at a depth that is difficult to determine precisely, running through the tooth structure. This crack may spread to the tooth pulp or periodontal ligament and lead to a complete fracture.
In the case of vertical tooth cracks, we can distinguish the following types:
- cracks in the enamel – these are small scratches on the enamel of the side or front teeth that do not cause pain and do not require treatment;
- crack (fracture) of the tooth crown cusp \- a partial or complete fracture of the chewing part of the tooth, which runs towards its neck. This injury usually causes severe pain when biting;
Causes of tooth cracks:
- tooth crack – an incomplete break in the tooth crown, which may reach up to its root. As a result of this injury, the tooth did not split into two parts, but its internal tissue was generally damaged;
- complete tooth fracture – the separation of the tooth into two parts, which begins in the crown. Most often, it is the result of a tooth crack;
Symptoms of a cracked tooth
- vertical root crack – a partial or complete crack starting in the root and running towards the chewing part of the tooth. This injury most often affects teeth after root canal treatment.
- bruxism, i.e. habitual and unconscious grinding of teeth, occurring mainly at night;
Treatment of a cracked tooth
- chewing or biting hard food (ice cubes, seeds, bones, candy);
- a blow to the lower jaw or chin;
- gum disease resulting in bone loss;
- sudden changes in temperature in the mouth;
- errors in conservative, prosthetic or endodontic treatment - e.g. leaving the enamel unsupported or using fillings that do not bond with the tooth tissues.
The main symptom of a cracked tooth is irregular pain that occurs when chewing (especially releasing the biting pressure) and when eating very cold, hot or sweet foods. Toothache may also occur when there is a breath of cold air. Additionally, it sometimes happens that part of the gum surface right next to the cracked tooth may become swollen. There is a possibility, especially with small cracks, that you don’t have any symptoms at all. This is why it is important to go to a dentist regularly so they can examine your teeth and check for any cracks as part of routine check ups.
A tooth crack, even if it only affects the enamel, can spread deeper into the tooth, leading to its fracture. Therefore, under no circumstances should you underestimate such an injury, and you should make an appointment with your dentist. Treatment of a cracked tooth depends on the extent of its damage. In the case of simple cracks, as a result of which a small fragment of a tooth is chipped or detached, its missing part is replaced with a light-cured composite filling. If the injury concerns a front tooth, first it is built up with composite resin, then the appropriate shape is formed, its surface is polished and hardened. In the case of larger cracks, the tooth is rebuilt using veneers (i.e. thin ceramic flakes attached to the outer surface of the tooth) or a prosthetic crown. If the dental pulp has been damaged as a result of a crack, the tooth is subjected to endodontic treatment before being reconstructed. In the case of deep cracks running below the gum line, the only solution may be extraction of the damaged tooth.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved
