What Are Types Of Cracked Tooth: Causes And Treatment

Dec 16, 2022 | General Dentistry

If you’ve ever experienced the pain of a cracked tooth, then you know how it can impact more than just your smile. A broken or fractured tooth can be caused by a variety of factors and is likely to require expert treatment from a licensed dentist. Before we discuss different types, possible causes, and treatments for cracked teeth, let us provide an overview of this issue that may affect your oral health.

What Is A Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth is a break or fracture in a tooth. It can occur for several reasons, such as biting down on hard objects, teeth grinding (bruxism), or trauma to the face. Cracks can occur in any tooth part, including the enamel, dentin, and root. Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may vary from a simple filling to a root canal procedure.

Types Of Cracked Teeth

There are four main types of cracked teeth:

  1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the tooth’s enamel. They are often caused by chewing hard foods or using your teeth to open things. Craze lines are usually not painful and don’t require crack teeth treatment.
  2. Cracks in the enamel are more severe than craze lines and can extend into the tooth’s dentin layer. Enamel cracks can be caused by tooth decay, trauma, or teeth grinding. They can be painful and may require dental treatment.
  3. A fractured cusp extends into the tooth’s cusp (the pointy part) and is often caused by biting down on hard foods or objects. Fractured cusps can be painful and may require dental treatment.
  4. Split teeth are the most serious type of cracked tooth and occur when the crack extends through the tooth from top to bottom (or root to crown). Split teeth can be extremely painful and always require dental treatment.

Causes Of Cracked Teeth

There are many possible causes of cracked teeth, including:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth
  • Eating hard foods
  • Using your teeth to open things
  • Facial trauma
  • Dental decay

Cracked teeth can be extremely painful and make eating or speaking difficult. If you think you have a cracked tooth, it’s essential to see your dentist immediately so they can determine the best course of crack teeth treatment.

Treatment For Cracked Teeth

There are several types of cracked teeth, and the treatment for cracked teeth depends on the type and severity of the crack. If you have a hairline crack, also called a craze line, in your tooth, it is usually not painful and does not require treatment. However, if the crack is deep or extends to the gumline, it may be more serious and require treatment.

If you have a cracked tooth that doesn’t extend below the gum line, your dentist may recommend bonding or veneers to repair the damage. They may recommend a crown or even extraction if the crack is more severe.

If you have a cracked tooth that extends below the gum line, this is called a fracture line. This crack is more serious and can cause pain when you bite or eat hot or cold foods. Treatment for this type of crack may include root canal therapy followed by a crown. An extraction may be required in some circumstances.

Prevention Of Cracked Teeth

There are four primary ways to prevent cracked teeth:

  1. Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.
  2. Avoid chewing on hard objects (e.g., ice, candy).
  3. Quit smoking or using other tobacco products.
  4. Make routine checkups and cleanings at the dentist.

Get Professional Dental Care To Avoid Further Damage

A cracked tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and other problems. If you think you have a cracked tooth, see your dentist right away. There are different types of cracked teeth, and the type of crack will determine the best way to treat the problem. Sometimes, a filling or crown may be all needed to fix a small crack. More serious cracks may require a root canal or even extraction.  No matter what type of treatment is necessary, discuss it with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth.

 

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