Can Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
Various things can result in a fractured or cracked tooth. This may include the patient’s age, grinding the teeth, trauma, or other things such as poor oral hygiene. The symptoms associated with a crack can range from not noticeable to severe. A cracked tooth may be painful, swollen, and sensitive. The optimal treatment will be determined by the crack’s severity and location.
Another term used to describe a cracked tooth is cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). CTS occurs when a patient’s tooth is cracked. As with most dental problems, there is a wide range of severity associated with cracks. The problem may be small, resulting in virtually no symptoms. In severe cases, patients can experience debilitating pain and discomfort. When the patient has a severe split, it is possible for the tooth to split into two different pieces. While anyone can have a cracked tooth, they are most prevalent in older patients and young children. It is important for patients with a broken or cracked tooth to contact their dentist right away.
Below is a summary of common causes for a cracked tooth:
- Accident, injury, or trauma
- Eating hard and crunchy foods
- Damage which naturally occurs over time
- Chewing on ice or hard candy
- Using the teeth to open things
- A large filling that can weaken the tooth
- Chronic grinding or clenching of the jaw
Symptoms which are common with a cracked tooth may include:
- Pain which may be made worse by chewing
- Sensitive teeth, especially to heat, cold, or sugary things
- Gum swelling around the impacted tooth
- A crack which is visible on the surface of the tooth
It can actually be challenging to diagnose a cracked tooth in some cases because the symptoms may be associated with another type of oral health problem. Dentists often review any symptoms and identify if there have been recent things which could have caused a fracture. In order to diagnose a cracked tooth, the patient will need to visit their dentist. The dentist will examine the teeth and may also need to order x-rays. During the visit, the dentist will work to determine if the patient has any lifestyle habits such as chewing on objects or grinding that may be the culprit for the crack.
In some cases, the dentist may refer the patient to an endodontist for treatment. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating oral issues that affect the pulp and root of the tooth.
While patients are waiting to be seen by the dentist, there are a few things that can aid in controlling the symptoms at home. Patients can place ice on the affected area to help minimize swelling. A rinse made from salt and water can also help with gently cleaning the teeth without causing additional pain. An over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory can be used to manage pain and swelling.
The ideal treatment will vary based on the amount of damage. Common treatments for a cracked tooth are summarized below:
- In cases of a minor crack which does not cause any symptoms, the dentist may not recommend treatment.
- Bonding the crack by filling it with a plastic resin material.
- Cosmetic contouring involves polishing or rounding out rough and jagged edges on the tooth.
- Dental crowns work by the dentist placing a porcelain or ceramic crown over the damaged tooth.
- Veneers are a thin shell, typically made from porcelain. The veneer is placed over the front of the tooth.
- Root canals are used when the crack extends into the tooth’s pulp, which can cause infection. During a root canal, infected pulp is removed, and a crown is often placed over the tooth.
- In some cases, the tooth may have significant damage and require an extraction.
Depending on the treatment plan, it may take weeks or months to repair a broken tooth. Fortunately, there are various solutions dentists can use to preserve a cracked tooth.