Types of Tooth Cracks
Several types of tooth cracks require different treatment approaches depending on their severity and location, including:
- Craze lines: These tiny vertical cracks in your tooth enamel are superficial and rarely require treatment beyond cosmetic bonding if they bother you aesthetically.
- Fractured cusps: A piece of your tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, typically near a filling, and we usually place a dental crown to protect the remaining tooth structure.
- Cracks extending toward the root: These cracks travel from the chewing surface downward and require immediate attention, as they can cause infection and pus buildup.
- Split teeth: A crack travels through the entire tooth, often requiring extraction of the damaged portion to prevent further complications.
- Vertical root fractures: These cracks originate at the root and extend upward, often presenting with minimal symptoms until infection develops.
Each type of crack requires a tailored treatment approach to preserve your tooth and prevent complications.
How We Diagnose Cracked Teeth at Floss Lincoln Park
We examine your tooth closely and ask about your symptoms and when they started. Special dental instruments help us locate cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. We may ask you to bite down on a tool to reproduce the pain and identify the affected area.
Digital X-rays reveal cracks that extend below the gum line and show us the condition of your tooth’s root and surrounding bone. Sometimes we apply a special dye that makes cracks more visible under certain lighting conditions. A dental explorer allows us to feel for irregularities in the tooth surface that indicate cracking.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
The best treatment depends on where the crack is located and how deeply it penetrates your tooth. Minor cracks often respond well to dental bonding, where we apply a tooth-colored resin material to seal the crack and restore your tooth’s smooth surface. This quick procedure typically takes just one visit.
More substantial cracks may require a crown to protect the entire tooth structure. Our practice offers CEREC same-day crowns so that you can receive your permanent crown in a single appointment rather than waiting weeks for a temporary restoration. For cracks that reach the tooth’s pulp, we may need to perform root canal therapy before placing a crown. When a crack extends below the gum line or through the root, tooth extraction may be necessary, followed by options such as dental implants to replace the missing tooth.
Preventing Future Tooth Cracks
Wear a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or pen caps. Use scissors to open packages instead of your teeth, and be cautious when eating foods with hard components, such as olive pits or fruit seeds.
Regular dental checkups allow us to identify weakened teeth before they crack. We can strengthen teeth with large fillings by placing protective crowns. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep your teeth strong and healthy, reducing your risk of cracks caused by decay-related weakness.
Restore Your Cracked Tooth at Floss Lincoln Park
Dr. Jouja and Dr. Silva provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific type of tooth crack and your overall oral health goals. Dr. Silva’s ongoing commitment to advanced education, including her current enrollment in a prestigious two-year Mastership program through the University of Florida School of Dentistry, ensures you receive care informed by the latest techniques in restorative dentistry. Our digital systems and comprehensive service offerings mean you can receive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care all in one convenient location.
Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or have noticed a visible crack, prompt treatment prevents complications and preserves your natural tooth structure whenever possible. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.
