Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Chipped and broken teeth: causes and solutions

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Cracked Tooth

If you feel pain in your tooth when you bite down or chew, you might have cracked tooth syndrome. Our experienced cosmetic dentists can examine you to determine why you experience pain on biting down and provide you with pain relief.

What is cracked tooth syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome is a condition in which a crack extends through the dentin, which is the layer underneath the enamel and above the pulp. This condition most often occurs in lower molars, which endure the brunt of chewing. The crack may be microscopic and may not be visible to the naked eye.

Types of Cracks

Craze Lines

Tiny, barely noticeable cracks, which only disturb the outer enamel of a tooth, and mostly discovered in adult teeth. They typically don’t cause too much problem, because they are superficial.

Types of Cracks

Split Tooth

If a cracked tooth goes untreated, it will likely result in a split tooth. It is probable that you will lose the tooth, or at least part of it. To save it, it will require endodontic treatments for a restoration.

Types of Cracks

Fractured Cusp

A weakened cusp often leads to a fracture, which could be removed by your dentist, or it might break off on its own. A root canal might be in order, if the pulp ends up damaged, and quite possibly a full crown.

Types of Cracks

Cracked Tooth

If there is a crack migrating to the root, extending from the chewing surface, it might cause the pulp to become damaged, leading to a possible root canal. If the tooth is not treated, it could worsen, to the point of needing an extraction.

Types of Cracks

Vertical Root Fracture

When the root fracture starts in the root, then spreads to the chewing surface, it’s called a vertical root fracture. This type of fracture often goes unnoticed, until it needs a corrective procedure, or extraction.

Why does the crack occur?

Cracked tooth syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, grinding, clenching, or biting into a hard object.

Cracked tooth syndrome symptoms include cold sensitivity and not being to use the tooth for chewing. If not treated, this may result in nerve damage and in the crack spreading throughout the tooth structure.

What can I do until I see my dentist?

Until you are able to see the dentist, you should keep the area clean by rinsing with salt water and avoid chewing on the affected tooth. If you are in pain, you can also take an anti-inflammatory , unless you are allergic.

The dentist must determine the reason that you developed cracked tooth syndrome before recommending a course of action. The prognosis will depend on how far the crack has spread throughout the tooth and on whether or not the crack has reached the root. It may be necessary to adjust the bite in order to reduce pressure on the tooth.

Treatment Of Cracked Teeth:

1. Simple Crack: The majority of cracked teeth can be treated by placement of a simple crown (cap) on the tooth. When the tooth is prepared for the crown and a temporary restoration is placed, the pain usually leaves immediately.

2. Complex Crack: Occasionally the tooth cracks into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. If pain persists after placement of the temporary crown, you may have a crack into the pulp of the affected tooth. Please call us.

This tooth may require endodontics (root canal therapy) before the crown is placed.

What to do if you break your tooth

If you’ve fractured or broken a tooth, follow these steps immediately before booking an appointment with your dentist.

Rinse your mouth out with warm water
Apply pressure on any bleeding areas using gauze
Apply an icepack to your cheek if there’s any swelling
If you have access to it, cover any major cracks with temporary dental cement
If it’s painful, use an over the counter pain reliever such as paracetamol (unless your GP has advised otherwise)
Cover any broken teeth with milk, saliva or saline solution

If your tooth is broken, make sure you don’t brush it, and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. We will discuss with you the best method of repairing the break, which could be one or a combination of fillings, crowns and root canal treatments.