Our teeth may seem strong, but they can easily be cracked if you are not careful enough. Sometimes, the crack can be something so minor that it can be easily fixed. Yet, in some cases, the damage from a cracked tooth can be so severe that it needs to be extracted and replaced.

What is a cracked tooth, and what causes it?

A cracked tooth is when a small crack forms on the surface or the inner part of the tooth. These cracks can be as small as the corners or go straight down the center of the tooth.

Teeth can crack under pressure, like forced impacts straight to the face. Other ways include exposure to sudden hot and cold temperatures, grinding of the teeth when sleeping without a mouth guard or as a bad habit, old age, and the steady decline of the body’s health and how it processes proteins and vitamins, and lastly, possible dental implants that were placed incorrectly or the body had started rejecting them.

What are some ways a cracked tooth is treated?

A dental specialist can treat a cracked tooth in a few ways:

1. The dentist can perform the dental bonding procedure where a colored resin is filled into the cracks and is cured by a UV light. This bonding is strong once cured and can serve as a solution to making sure nothing gets in the crack
2. The dentist can place a porcelain or ceramic cap on the tooth where a tooth has been removed. This happens when the area around the crack isn’t up to par, so it’s drilled away and covered for protection. This also goes for Veneers as well (A cap placed over the tooth fully).
3. Smoothing and contouring the cracked area
4. If the root gets infected, then a root canal can be performed to scoop out the infection. Or, in a worst-case scenario, if not savable, the tooth can be extracted.

Why would a cracked tooth need to be extracted?

If the root gets infected, then a root canal can be performed to scoop out the infection. Or, in a worst-case scenario, the tooth may be totally extracted if the dentist deems that it’s unsafe to keep the tooth. It can then be replaced by a dental implant to close the open wound where the tooth used to be.

When should I consult my dentist?

If you are experiencing symptoms like:

1. Fever
2. Sensitivity to hot or cold
3. Pain that comes and goes
4. Pain when biting down on the tooth

Then you may be experiencing side effects of having a cracked tooth. If any of these happen, it’s best to quickly notify your dental specialist or make an appointment with one as soon as possible to get the teeth fixed before the cracks become worse. It is best to try to avoid getting your teeth extracted due to cracks because of how expensive the procedure can be, even without insurance. Taking steps towards protecting your teeth is key to a healthy smile. Investing in a mouth guard and visiting the dentist for a regular checkup can both be key methods to protecting your teeth from cracks.

Related Article: Can Cracked Tooth Be Saved