A crack in your tooth can lead to decay and infection or even the loss of your tooth if the problem is not addressed. Some cracks are easy to locate, while others may be so small that they might be missed during a routine dental exam. Symptoms of a cracked tooth can include pain or sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods. You may feel a stinging sensation when biting or chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to call our office for an appointment with our dentists.

The damage in a cracked tooth can take multiple forms, including the following:

• Craze lines — These are very small cracks in the enamel. They may not require any treatment unless they affect your appearance.
• Fractured cusps — The cusps are the edges of your teeth and the ridges on your molars. If they become weak, they can be chipped or broken by a dental trauma or through wear. In many cases, a dental crown is sufficient to address the problem.
• Cracked tooth — In the case of a severely cracked tooth, the damage may extend through the tooth to the root. There is a risk of infection to the pulp, and treatment often requires root canal therapy.
• Split tooth — If you have put off having a cracked tooth addressed, the tooth may begin to break off into pieces. If your tooth has reached this level of damage, our dentists may not be able to save it. The viability of the tooth will be determined by its location and the severity of the damage. Our dentists will discuss your treatment options with you.
• Vertical root fracture — This damage actually occurs in the root of the tooth, and you may not even be aware of it until you begin to experience sensitivity or pain. Our dentists may be able to address this problem through endodontic treatments, but if the damage is too severe, you may require an extraction.

Call our office today to learn more about our treatments to address cracked teeth.