Cracked Teeth

 

One of the most common reasons for tooth pain is the existence of a crack or fracture. Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort. We see many patients each month at New England Endodontic Solutions for evaluation and treatment because a crack has been diagnosed or suspected.  Endodontic treatment is often the first step in the attempt to return a tooth to comfort and function.

When the outer enamel of a tooth is cracked, chewing causes micromovements of the pieces, and the dental pulp can become irritated.  When the biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a momentary, sharp pain.  With time, the pulp will become damaged to the point that it is severely inflamed or will start to die.  The tooth will not only hurt to pressure but will become sensitive to hot and/or cold.  Cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue and ultimately to the surrounding gum and bone.

Endodontic (root canal) treatment removes the injured pulp and helps heal the infection caused by the damaged or dying pulp.  Unfortunately, unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will never mend.  Endodontic treatment cannot seal or fuse the crack, and in time, in spite of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate, resulting in need for extraction (loss of the tooth) and if possible or indicated, replacement.  Even with high magnification and special lighting, it is often difficult to determine the exact extent of a cack.  The crack is almost never visible on conventional dental radiographic film or digitial radiography.  Because of the uncertainties involved, the doctor will discuss with you the overall prognosis of your case (usually 70-75%).

Please remember that once treated with endodontic therapy and a crown, most teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.  There is no perfect substitute for your natural tooth.

Types of Cracks

Craze Lines Rendered Example

Craze lines

These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

 

Fractured Cusp

When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is often unnecessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

 

 

Cracked Tooth

This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

 

 

Split Tooth

A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic treatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to 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. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.