Cracks in Teeth and What to Do About Them
Ask the Dental Experts
Our philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions.
Q: What do you do when a tooth cracks?
A: Some minor craze lines seen in teeth need no attention at all. Other teeth have symptomatic cracks that cause sensitivity or pain and need immediate attention. Since most cracks or fractures do not show up on radiographs (x-rays), these problems can be difficult to figure out.
· Craze lines are tiny cracks that are very superficial and often difficult for a person to see. They occur primarily in the outer enamel layer of the teeth. They are most common in adult teeth, and they need no treatment. They are simply the result of “mileage – wear and tear” on the teeth. Also, they are most common on the anterior teeth.
· Asymptomatic cracks are ones that cause no pain and are therefore difficult to evaluate. Many times it is important to reinforce these teeth early, BEFORE they become a problem.
· Symptomatic cracks cause pain that can vary from minor sensitivity to a throbbing toothache.
Unfotunately, most people do not seek help for cracked teeth until they become painful. A crack will eventually make a tooth sensitive due to movement of the fractured edges and leakage into the pulp. The treatment of such a tooth will vary based on the case. Sometimes cracked teeth can be remedied with simple dental bonding procedures. More severe cases may require a porcelain crown. If tooth decay has ensued, a root canal may need to be performed first to save what is left of the tooth prior to being crowned.
If a crack is so seriously fractured that it has to be extracted, the Cosmetic Dentistry Center can place a dental implant in its place.
Does your tooth give a “zing” when you bite?
Do you clench your teeth so hard that there are visible cracks in your back teeth?
Are your teeth very sensitive to hot or cold?
If so, don’t waste any time – problems develop quickly. Have it checked out by your dentist as soon as possible.
Our philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions.
Q: What do you do when a tooth cracks?
A: Some minor craze lines seen in teeth need no attention at all. Other teeth have symptomatic cracks that cause sensitivity or pain and need immediate attention. Since most cracks or fractures do not show up on radiographs (x-rays), these problems can be difficult to figure out.
· Craze lines are tiny cracks that are very superficial and often difficult for a person to see. They occur primarily in the outer enamel layer of the teeth. They are most common in adult teeth, and they need no treatment. They are simply the result of “mileage – wear and tear” on the teeth. Also, they are most common on the anterior teeth.
· Asymptomatic cracks are ones that cause no pain and are therefore difficult to evaluate. Many times it is important to reinforce these teeth early, BEFORE they become a problem.
· Symptomatic cracks cause pain that can vary from minor sensitivity to a throbbing toothache.
Unfotunately, most people do not seek help for cracked teeth until they become painful. A crack will eventually make a tooth sensitive due to movement of the fractured edges and leakage into the pulp. The treatment of such a tooth will vary based on the case. Sometimes cracked teeth can be remedied with simple dental bonding procedures. More severe cases may require a porcelain crown. If tooth decay has ensued, a root canal may need to be performed first to save what is left of the tooth prior to being crowned.
If a crack is so seriously fractured that it has to be extracted, the Cosmetic Dentistry Center can place a dental implant in its place.
Does your tooth give a “zing” when you bite?
Do you clench your teeth so hard that there are visible cracks in your back teeth?
Are your teeth very sensitive to hot or cold?
If so, don’t waste any time – problems develop quickly. Have it checked out by your dentist as soon as possible.
Labels: asymptomatic cracks, cracked tooth syndrom, craze lines, symptomatic cracks
posted by Dental Expert at
9:46 AM
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