No one ever expects to end up with a cracked tooth. But unfortunately, it happens—even if you take the best care of your pearly whites. If you find yourself in this situation and are wondering what to do, look no further! In this article, you will learn the steps to take when it comes to what to do if you crack a tooth from expert advice. From recognizing the signs, to how to proceed afterwards—we have you covered! 

How Does a Tooth Become Cracked?

There are many ways a tooth can become cracked, but some of the most common causes include: biting down on something hard, like ice or popcorn kernels; chewing on hard objects such as pens or pencils; grinding teeth (bruxism); and trauma to the face or mouth.

How Do I Know if My Tooth is Cracked?

Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when chewing, possibly with the release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases, the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have difficulty locating which tooth is causing the discomfort.

Types of cracked teeth

Cracks can appear as:

• Craze lines. These are super-small cracks in the enamel (the strong outer covering) of teeth. They cause no pain and don’t require any treatment.
• Fractured cusp. This kind of crack generally occurs around a dental filling. It usually doesn’t affect the pulp of the tooth (the soft center of the tooth where nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels are) and as a result doesn’t cause much pain.
• Cracks that extend into the gum line. A tooth that has a vertical crack that extends through it but hasn’t yet reached the gum line is generally savable. However, if the crack extends into the gum line, that tooth may need to be extracted. Prompt treatment offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
• Split tooth. This is a tooth with a crack that travels from its surface to below the gum line. It can actually be separated into two segments. With such an extensive crack, it’s unlikely the entire tooth can be saved, but your dentist may be able to save a portion of it.
• Vertical root fracture. This type of crack begins below the gum line and travels upward. It often doesn’t produce much in the way of symptoms, unless the tooth becomes infected. Chances are the tooth will have to be extracted.

What to Do When You Crack a Tooth: Expert Advice

If you have a cracked tooth, the best thing you can do is contact your dentist right away. Your dentist will be able to assess the extent of damage and provide you with the most appropriate treatment options.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend a crown or other type of restoration to help protect your tooth from further damage. If the crack extends into the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. In more severe cases, extraction may be the only option.

Your dentist will also be able to provide you with tips on how to take better care of your teeth in order to avoid further cracking and damage. This may include avoiding hard foods and objects, using a night guard if you grind your teeth at night, and even changing your diet to include more tooth-friendly foods.

It’s important to note that not all cracks require treatment. Super small craze lines are harmless and do not need to be addressed unless they become bothersome. No matter the severity of your crack, it’s important to have it looked at right away by a qualified dentist. With the right expert advice and treatment, your cracked tooth can soon be a thing of the past!

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you have a cracked tooth, the team at Mountain Aire Dentistry can help. Our experienced dentist will assess your situation and work with you to find the best treatment option for your needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment!