How to Handle a Cracked or Broken Tooth

The enamel that covers your teeth may be the hardest tissue in the body, but the protection it offers isn’t perfect. There are any number of circumstances under which teeth may develop cracks – and because swift action represents the best chance of minimizing further damage, it’s important to know the signs and the best way to deal with the problem.

Some cracks do not cause symptoms, and some require no treatment at all. But cracks are the leading cause of tooth loss in industrialized nations, and though tooth loss may be a worst-case scenario, it’s still a scenario worth taking seriously.

Could You Have a Cracked Tooth?

There are many different causes of cracks in teeth, some more common than others. Among the possible catalysts for tooth damage are:

• Chewing hard objects, such as ice, unpopped corn kernels, pens and pencils
• Frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Fillings large enough to weaken the integrity of the tooth
• An abrupt change of temperature in the mouth – for example, taking a drink of cold ice water immediately after burning the mouth on something hot
• Blunt trauma, such as from a sporting injury, fall or car accident
• Wear and tear over time; cracked teeth occur most often in people over age 50
• Chewing with uneven pressure on the teeth
• Tooth decay and advanced gum disease

Types of Cracks

Not all tooth cracks are created equally. Some create only cosmetic issues, while others have potential to cause problems that spread beyond the affected tooth. Most of the differences are determined by how far into the tooth the damage extends: the enamel, the dentin or the pulp. The classifications of cracked and broken teeth include:

• Craze lines: Minor cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They do not cause pain, and are only worth fixing for cosmetic reasons.
• Fractured cusp: A situation in which a small piece of the tooth has been broken off. This is rarely painful or damaging to the pulp, and can be fixed fairly easily with a crown.
• Cracked tooth: A crack that runs all the way down to the nerve. Treatment options depend on how far into the nerve the crack extends, but generally the tooth must be extracted.
• Vertical root fracture: A break in the tooth below the gum line. These fractures are not visible and may not be painful, but make the tooth not restorable.

Should You Have it Treated?

If the damage to the tooth is minor – such as with craze lines, which do not extend into the pulp and therefore do not cause pain – whether to seek treatment is up to you. Generally, Dr. Matt and Dr. Dave will note these during your check up exam, but no treatment is necessary. A crack or break that doesn’t cause pain and doesn’t come with increased risk does not need to be treated, but you may choose to get it treated to improve its appearance. More severe tooth damage may be worth treating, and not just because of the immediate symptoms.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

The most obvious sign of significant tooth damage is pain. The pain may be sudden, or may be inconsistent, hurting more at some times and not at all at other times. Often, it can be difficult for the patient to figure out which tooth is damaged. A cracked or broken tooth may be especially sensitive to extreme temperatures, or even very sweet foods and beverages. Pain may also be noticeable while chewing or biting, particularly during the release of a bite. In addition to pain, a cracked tooth may be noticeable from swollen gums in the area around the tooth.

Potential Further Complications

If severe tooth damage is left untreated, the moving pieces of broken tooth may cause friction and damage the pulp of the tooth over time. And when the pulp is sufficiently damaged, it’s time for a root canal, build up and crown. Remember, broken teeth don’t heal over time the way broken bones do.

On top of that, leaving a broken or cracked tooth untreated can result in infection, also known as a dental abscess. A dental abscess can cause fever, swollen gums, halitosis, pain when chewing, noticeably sore or tender glands in the neck, and additional sensitivity to heat and cold. An unchecked infection can eventually spread to the gums or bone, causing even greater problems down the line.

Restoring Your Smile to 100%

If you break or crack a tooth and are immediately aware of it, there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to disinfect, and use a cold compress and painkillers to reduce pain and swelling. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, try to hang onto the detached piece, though be careful to grip only by the enamel, and not by any exposed pieces of root or pulp. If the break has left you with a jagged edge in your mouth, you can use a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless gum to cover it temporarily.

Talk to Your Dentist

That said, it’s common for a person with a cracked or broken tooth to not realize it right away. If you come to suspect you’ve experienced a cracked or broken tooth – or if you know for sure, and have already taken the steps above – your next move should be to consult your dentist. They’ll be able to examine and find out for sure through the use of X-rays, magnifying lenses, dental dye, dental explorers and other tools. Your dentist may need to briefly remove a filling, if the affected tooth already has one, in order to examine closely.

Restorative Dental Procedures

Once you’ve gotten an assessment from your dentist, they may suggest a few different options for treatment and tooth repair, including:

• Dental bonding: Dental bonding utilizes a composite resin mold to create a tooth-colored material that remedies unsightly problems with teeth, including staining, discoloration, gaps and, yes, chips and cracks.
• Dental crowns: A dental crown covers a tooth that has been cracked, broken or otherwise damaged. When applied correctly, a dental crown fits seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth and offers durability against future damage.
• Root canal: A root canal is a process to remove damaged pulp and reshape the inner canals of the tooth to prepare it for a crown. This procedure is highly useful for cracks that have reached the pulp, but not the gum line.
• Extraction: If the tooth or its pulp are sufficiently damaged, the only viable option may be removal of the tooth. A dental bridge can then be used to replace the tooth.

Proactive Steps

Of course, one could make the case that the best treatment for a cracked tooth is to avoid getting one in the first place. Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings keep teeth strong, and strong teeth are less likely to suffer a break. Avoiding some of the behaviors detailed above, such as chewing on hard objects such as ice, will help as well. And mouthguards can make a big difference: An athletic mouthguard can significantly reduce the chances of oral trauma in a sports setting, while a nighttime mouthguard can prevent the damage caused by involuntary teeth-grinding during sleep.

Let Us Repair Your Tooth Damage & Fix Your Smile

At Springfield Dental Group, our Springfield family dentists have worked with innumerable patients who have suffered cracked, chipped or broken teeth and helped to alleviate their pain and discomfort, treat their damaged teeth, and give them back a smile that they can be proud of. If you suspect you may have a cracked tooth and want to learn more about your options for smile restoration, get in touch with our team today!