A cracked tooth can cause anything from occasional sensitivity to significant pain when chewing. Some cracks are easy to see, while others are hidden beneath the gumline or inside the tooth. Without treatment, certain cracks can worsen and eventually compromise the tooth.
At Northshore Dental in Kenmore, WA, an examination can help determine the location and severity of a crack and whether the tooth can be repaired.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Teeth are strong, but they are exposed to repeated pressure every day. Several factors can contribute to cracks, including:
- Biting down on hard foods or objects
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Large fillings that weaken remaining tooth structure
- Facial or dental injuries
- Normal wear and aging
- Uneven biting forces
A cracked tooth does not always result from one specific event. Repeated stress can gradually weaken a tooth until a fracture develops.
What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the crack.
You may experience:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Pain when releasing your bite
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Intermittent tooth pain
- Discomfort that seems difficult to pinpoint
- Swelling around the affected tooth
Some cracks cause almost no symptoms at first. That does not necessarily mean the tooth is healthy.
Why You Should Not Ignore a Cracked Tooth
A crack can allow bacteria to reach deeper parts of the tooth. As the crack progresses, the tooth may become more difficult to restore.
An untreated crack can potentially lead to:
- Increasing sensitivity
- Infection inside the tooth
- Gum inflammation
- A larger fracture
- Loss of the tooth
Seeking an evaluation early gives your dentist more information and potentially more treatment options.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
Whether a tooth can be saved depends on several factors, including where the crack is located, how deep it extends, and how much healthy tooth structure remains.
Some damaged teeth can be repaired with restorative treatment. A dental crown may be used to cover and protect a weakened tooth when enough healthy structure remains.
A crown can help restore the tooth’s shape and function while protecting it from additional biting forces.
When Is a Crown Used?
Crowns are commonly considered when a tooth has substantial structural damage but remains suitable for restoration.
Your dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth has:
- A large filling
- Significant decay
- A substantial crack that does not extend beyond the level where the tooth can be predictably restored
- Severe wear
- Previously received root canal treatment
The exact treatment depends on the individual tooth. A crown is not automatically appropriate for every cracked tooth.
When Can a Cracked Tooth Require Extraction?
Some fractures extend deep into the tooth or below the gumline. In other cases, the tooth may split into separate segments or have insufficient healthy structure remaining for a predictable restoration.
When a tooth cannot be restored, extraction may become necessary.
After extraction, replacing the missing tooth can help restore function and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting. Northshore Dental provides several tooth replacement options, including implants, bridges, and dentures.
What Happens During a Dental Evaluation?
Your dentist will first discuss your symptoms and examine the affected area.
The evaluation may include:
- Reviewing when the pain or sensitivity occurs
- Examining the tooth and surrounding gums
- Checking how the tooth responds to biting or temperature
- Taking dental X-rays when appropriate
- Assessing the extent of structural damage
- Discussing restorative or replacement options
Some cracks are difficult to identify with a standard X-ray, so your dentist may use several diagnostic methods to understand the problem.
How Can You Protect Your Teeth From Cracks?
You cannot prevent every dental fracture, but several habits can reduce unnecessary stress on your teeth.
Consider:
- Avoiding chewing ice or very hard objects
- Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports
- Discussing nighttime grinding with your dentist
- Maintaining regular dental examinations
- Treating large or weakened restorations before they fail
- Seeking care promptly after dental trauma
Routine care through preventive dentistry can also help identify weakened teeth before they develop more serious problems.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Schedule an examination if you notice persistent sensitivity, pain when chewing, a visible crack, or unexplained discomfort in one tooth.
Seek prompt dental care if a cracked tooth is accompanied by significant swelling, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Early evaluation can help determine whether the tooth can be restored and prevent a small structural problem from becoming more serious.
If you have symptoms of a cracked tooth, contact Northshore Dental in Kenmore, WA through the Contact Us page to arrange an evaluation.
Consult your dentist for personalized advice.
