Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

23/02/2022

A cracked or broken tooth can occur for a variety of reasons and is not self-healing. Not only can a cracked tooth cause a knock to your self-confidence, but it can also be quite painful. Whether you’ve bitten into something hard, suffered a blow to the mouth or aren’t quite sure what has caused your cracked tooth, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, you risk experiencing chronic tooth sensitivity, bacterial infection and potentially even tooth loss. In this blog post, iSmile Dentistry will be sharing the common causes, symptoms and treatment options for a cracked tooth. 

Common Causes of Cracked Teeth

The most common cause for cracked teeth is trauma, which can occur as a result of injury to the mouth or biting down onto a hard piece of food/object. Even strong and healthy teeth are susceptible to cracking, but the risk is higher for some people more than others. 

Some common reasons for teeth cracking include:

  • Sporting injuries
  • Trips/falls
  • Sudden blow to the mouth
  • Biting hard foods such as ice, nuts or boiled lollies
  • Biting a solid object
  • Pressure from teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Sudden change in temperature
  • The natural ageing process

 

Types of Cracks

Damage to the tooth can present in different ways, and pain is not always noticeable. Your dentist will need to examine your tooth before proposing an appropriate treatment option. Severe cracks can expose the tooth to infection and will require urgent attention, whilst minor cracks can usually be repaired quickly. 

Common types of cracks include: Hairline cracks, Fractured Cusp, Vertical Cracks, Split Tooth, and Vertical Root Fractures. 

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

Most people with a cracked tooth will experience pain, swelling, toothache and tooth sensitivity. Left untreated, more serious health complications may arise such as tooth pulp infection and dental abscess, which may necessitate root canal treatment and a crown restoration. In certain fractured cases, tooth extraction is the only option available for the patient due to delayed management. 

 

Symptoms include:

  • Dental pain on biting or release on biting
  • Lingering and/or throbbing pain that last more than a few seconds
  • Swollen gums/face
  • Fever
  • Unprovoked history of pain
  • Extreme lingering sensitivity to hot/cold liquids
  • Tender glands in the neck

 

Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

Depending on the type and severity of the crack, your dentist will provide you with a range of treatment options which may include:

Direct dental restorations (Composite fillings) – a straightforward and cost-effective method of repairing minor cracks. .

Orthodontic metal band – temporary measure to stabilise the cracked tooth 

Dental Crown – a full-coverage ‘cap’ placed over the damaged tooth to protect it

Root Canal Therapy – removal of infection from the pulp of the tooth before resealing the canal. 

Dental Implants – if the cracked tooth requires extraction, a dental implant can be inserted to restore your smile. 

Cracked Tooth? Don’t Delay, Visit iSmile Dentistry Today

If you suspect you may have a cracked tooth, please don’t hesitate to contact iSmile Dentistry on 02 9030 4310. Providing the problem is caught early, there is a good chance your dentist will be able to treat the problem and save the tooth. This will avoid the need for costly and more extensive dental treatment.

Our St Leonards dental clinic is open from Monday to Saturday. We look forward to seeing you soon.