Chipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth

How do you know if you have a chipped, cracked or broken tooth?

A chipped tooth is easy to spot if located in front, or easy to feel with your tongue if its in the back of your mouth. Fortunately, The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas, routinely restores chipped, cracked or broken teeth using state-of-the-art Cosmetic Dentistry techniques.

If you have a broken tooth caused by a crack in the tooth, you might feel pain when chewing, when you release your bite, or when exposed to extreme heat or cold. Untreated, a cracked or broken tooth will worsen and result in tooth loss.

Is there pain associated with a cracked or broken tooth?

That depends on a number of factors. Keep in mind that a tooth can be:

• Asymptomatic: There is usually no pain making evaluation difficult. Its important to reinforce a cracked or broken tooth early, before it becomes a problem.
• Symptomatic: Pain is present and can vary from minor sensitivity to a throbbing toothache.

Types of Cracked or Broken Teeth

Treatment and outcome for a cracked or broken tooth depends on the type, location, and extent of the break or crack. 

• Craze Lines: Craze lines are superficial tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel and are common in adults as a result of normal wear and tear on the teeth. These craze lines are shallow and cause no pain.
• Fractured Cusp:  When the pointed part of the chewing surface on top of the tooth (the cusp) fractures, it may break off by itself or have to be removed by the dentist. A fractured cusp may damage the pulp and may need root canal therapy. The tooth is then restored with a crown.
• Vertical Crack:  A vertical crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth down toward the root and often damages the pulp. The tooth is often restored with a crown that holds the two pieces together.
• Split Tooth:  A split tooth is often caused by a cracked or broken tooth that has not been treated. A split tooth cannot be saved in one piece and must be extracted.
• Vertical Root Fractures:  Vertical root fractures are cracks or breaks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend upward and are asymptomatic, i.e., showing no signs or symptoms. Treatment may involve extraction.

After treatment for a cracked or broken tooth, will my tooth completely heal?

Unlike broken bones, the fracture in a cracked or broken tooth will not heal. Crowns provide the best protection but there are still no guarantees. Once treated, most cracked or broken teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.

What can I do to prevent a cracked or broken tooth?

Accidents happen, but you can still be mindful to:

• Avoid chewing ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens.
• Dont use your teeth as a tool you would find in a toolbox.
• Dont try to open bottles with your teeth.
• Be aware of what youre biting into look at your food before you put it in your mouth.
• If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, get a retainer or other mouthguard.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.