Tooth fractures, more commonly referred to as cracked tooth syndrome (CTS), are cracks in your teeth that may not be noticeable at first but could potentially lead to extreme damage. Most people who experience this issue are either kids or elderly individuals; however, anyone can have a fractured tooth regardless of age. Thankfully with proper care and attention, it is possible to protect your smile from any further harm.

Your tooth is composed of a hard enamel layer that encloses dentin, which protects the tender inner core, including blood vessels and nerves. When your teeth crack, it can put those sensitive components at risk, resulting in unprecedented pain.

While it may be difficult to detect a cracked tooth, as oftentimes they are invisible, certain symptoms can indicate you have one. These include sharp pain and heightened sensitivity when consuming hot or cold beverages or food. It is paramount that you seek professional help immediately if you suspect your teeth might be cracked; these types of injuries won’t heal as bones do on their own, so prompt treatment is essential to save the affected tooth and safeguard your dental health overall!

Saving a cracked tooth

Our experienced dental professionals can generally save your tooth if there isn’t a massive crack that leads to an entire split tooth. In dentistry, four classes are used to classify cracks:

Craze lines

Craze lines may not need treatment as they are shallow, affecting only your tooth enamel and usually going unnoticed. However, if you experience any symptoms of a cracked tooth, make sure to book an appointment with your dentist right away! Even though these small cracks might not require restorative care at the moment, it is still important to get them checked out for future preventive measures.

Fractured cusp

The cusp, the visible part of your tooth, can be cracked in multiple ways. If you have a huge filling that has been subject to constant pressure over time, it may break down and cause damage. Fortunately, we’re able to preserve your original tooth either by repairing or placing a crown on it; two great solutions for this predicament.

Vertical cracks (above the gum line)

If you spot vertical cracks above your gums, don’t worry – they are typically treatable! A professional dentist will take a look at the tooth to decide what action should be taken that is most suited for preserving it. It could mean undergoing a root canal or maybe getting fitted with a crown.

Vertical cracks (below the gum line)

Conversely, if the vertical crack extends below your gum line, chances are that the tooth can’t be saved. Such cracks are also known as vertical root fractures, and they divide a tooth into two separate pieces.

The importance of cracked tooth treatment

Seeking assistance from a skilled dentist when you have cracked teeth is of the utmost importance. Dental cracks can advance with time, so making an appointment with your dentist promptly is essential if you want to salvage the tooth. If it has already gone passed beyond the gum line, unfortunately, there’s no other choice but to extract and replace it with a dental implant.

We offer various dental treatments to repair cracked teeth:

Dental bonding

If you have a minor fracture in your tooth, dental bonding is an ideal solution for restoring the aesthetics and functionality of your mouth. Your dentist uses composite resin to seal up the crack and provide quick relief from any discomfort or pain caused by chewing. With this procedure, you can go back to enjoying life as normal without worrying about any further damage occurring.

Dental crowns

A dental crown covers the visible portion of your tooth, providing protection and stability. If you have a severe crack or need a root canal, your dentist can apply a dental crown to prevent your crack from getting worse.

Root canal treatment

You no longer have to dread root canals because up-to-date dental technology now makes them just as comfortable as a standard dental filling.

If the crack in your tooth has extended inside of it and reached down to its core, then your dentist will be able to easily perform a root canal that cleans out any internal damage caused by decay and protects against infection.

Tooth extraction

In case of multiple cracks on the tooth structure or a huge split tooth, your dentist will perform an extraction procedure under local anaesthesia. You can later choose to have a dental implant to restore the missing tooth.

Get emergency dental treatment at Bright On-Bay Dental Clinic 

If you’re feeling any signs of discomfort or warning signals for a damaged tooth, don’t hesitate to get professional dental attention. Our dentist at Bright On-Bay Dental Clinic specialises in treating mild to severely cracked teeth with dental procedures that minimise the pain and provide tailored solutions for your cracked tooth. Contact us on (02) 9538 7028 as soon as possible or schedule an appointment online now so we can assist you quickly.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

References

Cracked tooth
https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth

Cracked teeth
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/