Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth should never be overlooked. It provides a gateway for harmful bacteria and won’t resolve on its own.

Our dedicated team at Smile Bright Dental in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida, offers several options to resolve your broken tooth and keep you smiling.

Types of cracks

A cracked tooth often results in pain, swelling, and/or sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Or it may show no signs at all, especially if the crack occurs beneath your gumline.

Our team identifies a cracked tooth as follows:

• Vertical crack extending from your tooth’s biting surface to your gumline or root
• Tiny cracks called craze lines within your tooth’s enamel
• Fractured cusp around a dental filling
• Vertical root fracture below your gumline
• Split in two above or below your gumline

Once we ascertain the type of crack you have, we discuss potential solutions.

Why a cracked tooth is serious

Untreated, cracked teeth may lead to significant complications. Your teeth contain three layers:

• Enamel outside
• Dentin in the middle
• Pulp inside

A crack exposes these areas to harmful bacteria which can cause a pocket of pus, known as an abscess, to form around the root of your tooth. As a result, you may experience:

• Fever
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums and/or lymph nodes

If left unchecked, an abscess may even spread to your jaw, facial muscles, and neck, inflicting further injury.

How we check for cracks

Since certain types of fractures may irritate your gums, we examine your gums for inflammation. We may also:

• Shine a light to illuminate the crack
• Apply staining dye for better viewing
• Use a small periodontal probe to measure bone loss that may be due to dental cracks

Our team also uses dental X-rays and 3D scans to spot fractures and other issues.

Treating your cracked tooth

Our team can manage your cracked tooth in a variety of ways, such as:

Crown

We drill down your tooth and protect it with a porcelain or ceramic cap.

Bonding

We fill in the cracks with tooth-colored resin.

Contouring

We smooth out the jagged edges and polish your tooth.

Veneers

By applying custom-made shells made of porcelain or other material over the front of your teeth, your dentist makes your tooth look as good as new.

If these options won’t correct your issue, we may employ a root canal to clean out any infected pulp or recommend extraction, followed by a dental bridge or implant. 

Help for hidden and not-so-hidden cracks

While many cracks remain obvious, others may be more difficult to detect. Obscure cracks often occur beneath old amalgam fillings or dental crowns.

Untreated, cracked teeth can cause significant complications. That’s why it’s crucial to contact our office at the first sign of injury. Since some cracks may go undetected, regular cleanings and exams help reveal problems, such as cracks and cavities, before they lead to more serious consequences.

Our expert team at Smile Bright Dental cares for your teeth through preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule an exam or cleaning, or to discuss any dental concerns, such as chipped or cracked teeth, give us a call today or request an appointment online at any time.