Whether a tooth has decay, has been weakened or was simply compromised in some way, teeth can break and crack. Cracked teeth may cause pain and sensitivity, if the crack is deep enough. In most cases, the crack will start out small and will eventually get larger as more pressure is applied to the tooth itself. Treating a cracked tooth is important and can help to prevent further damage to your smile.
What Can Cause a Cracked Tooth?
Many different factors can contribute to a cracked tooth. You might have bitten into a hard piece of food or had been chewing on ice. For some, they might have recently had a root canal, which automatically weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to breaking and cracking. Some of the reasons a tooth may crack include:
- A tooth was recently root canaled
- You bit down into something hard (ice, pretzel)
- A tooth has a large filling in it
- You grind your teeth at night
- You clench your teeth during the day
Is a Cracked Tooth an Emergency?
Having a cracked tooth could be considered an emergency, especially if you’re experiencing pain and sensitivity to hot and cold liquids. Even if you’re not experiencing any type of discomfort or pain, it is still a good idea to make an appointment to come in for a checkup. Small cracks may be treated with simple filling material, but if the crack gets larger, a crown will need to be put into place and a root canal may be needed. If you’re experiencing severe pain and sensitivity that is getting in the way of you living your life, it is crucial that you make an appointment to be seen.
What Can Be Done for a Cracked Tooth?
For small cracks, filling or bonding material may be sufficient enough to prevent the crack from getting worse. Most teeth that have cracked will need to be crowned. This procedure involves removing most of the tooth’s structure and placing a custom-made crown on top to protect the rest of the tooth. It is important to note that there is such a thing as a craze line. These enamel-deep cracks run up and down certain teeth and are in no way a problem to your dental health. Craze lines are more of a cosmetic issue than anything that needs restoration.
Looking for an Emergency Dentist Near You?
If you think you may have a cracked tooth, call Dr. Hennawi’s Reynoldsburg office as soon as you can! At Stellar Dentistry, we strive to provide exceptional and personalized care for all of our patients and their families.
