Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can cause various symptoms, such as pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature, and even pain when releasing biting pressure. The pain may come and go, making it challenging to determine the cause of discomfort.
When you chew, the cracked pieces of your tooth can move, irritating the pulp inside. Additionally, when you release biting pressure, the crack may close rapidly, resulting in sharp pain. Over time, the pulp can become damaged, causing consistent toothache even when not chewing. Cracks can also lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the surrounding bone and gum.
Types of Cracks
Craze Lines
These cracks are small and only impact the outer layer of the tooth called enamel. They are more frequently found in adults. These cracks are superficial and typically not a cause for worry.
Fractured Cusp
If a cusp becomes weakened, it can lead to a fracture. In such cases, the cusp may either break off or need to be removed by a dentist. Fortunately, a fractured cusp typically does not cause damage to the pulp, eliminating the need for a root canal. Instead, your dentist will typically restore the tooth by placing a full crown.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This particular kind of crack starts from the top surface of the tooth and moves downwards towards the root. Sometimes, it may even go below the gum line. There is a possibility for the crack to go deeper into the root. It is common for the pulp to get damaged. In such cases, root canal treatment is typically required. If a cracked tooth is left untreated, it will deteriorate and eventually lead to tooth loss. Hence, it is crucial to detect and address the issue early on.
Split Tooth
A split tooth typically occurs when a cracked tooth is left untreated. It is characterized by a crack that has distinct segments. Unfortunately, it is impossible to save the tooth in its entirety. However, the location and severity of the issue will determine if any part of the tooth can be saved. In certain cases, your dentist may be able to save a portion of the tooth through endodontic retreatment and restoration.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture initiates at the root and progresses towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Regrettably, these fractures often exhibit few symptoms and can easily be overlooked. If a part of the tooth can be preserved by extracting the fractured root, endodontic surgery is recommended. However, if this is not possible, the tooth will need to be extracted.