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Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, pain with temperature changes, or pain with the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.

Chewing can cause movement along the crack of your tooth resulting in irritation to the underlying pulp tissue. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and the tooth will spontaneously ache, even when you are not chewing. Cracks in the tooth may cause an infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gums resulting in the formation of an abscess.

Types of Cracks

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 is weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp may not damage the pulp severely, and root canal is not always necessary. The need for root canal treatment will depend on your symptoms and the health of your pulp tissue.

 

Cracked Tooth

This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and extends vertically towards the root surface. The crack may extend to the pulp tissue resulting in inflammation or infection of the root canal. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary.

 

Split Tooth

A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. The split tooth is usually nonrestorable and is frequently extracted. Occasionally, a portion of the root can be saved and retained through root canal treatment. The position and extent of the crack will determine treatment options.

 

Vertical Root Fracture

A vertical root fracture begins at the end of the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Vertical root fractures may display minimal symptoms and can go unnoticed by the patient. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Small fractures can be removed through endodontic surgery. Fractures extending the length of the root are nonrestorable and may result in a recommendation for extraction of the tooth.