Are cracked teeth hard to fix? It depends on the type and severity of the crack, but it can be a challenging fix. A qualified endodontist can usually restore cracked teeth with proper treatment. This article will discuss types of cracked teeth, how they can be fixed, and what you should do if you suspect your tooth may be broken.
Types Of Cracks
Several types of cracks can occur in teeth:
– Craze Lines:
These are superficial cracks in the tooth’s enamel layer. They often appear as thin lines radiating across the surface of the tooth. Although these are primarily cosmetic concerns, they can indicate a weakened area of enamel that may be more susceptible to further damage.
– Fractured Cusp:
A cracked cusp is a break in the chewing surface of the tooth and can occur when teeth are subjected to significant forces, such as clenching or grinding. It is often accompanied by sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and sweets due to exposed dentin.
– Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS):
This condition causes pain when biting down on something and releasing it quickly. It can also cause discomfort with certain foods. The cracked area may not be visible on X-rays because it occurs between two cusps rather than along the tooth’s length.
– Split Tooth:
This occurs when an extensive crack runs through the entire length of the tooth. It is usually caused by long-term wear or trauma and can lead to irreparable damage if left untreated.
How Can I Fix Cracked Teeth?
Fixing cracked teeth can be complicated, depending on the type and severity of the crack. Craze lines are often treated with a simple enamel bonding procedure that fills in and seals the cracked areas. Fractured cusps may require more extensive treatment, such as filling, crowns, or root canal therapy. Cracked tooth syndrome usually requires endodontic treatment followed by a crown or other restoration to protect the cracked area from further damage. Split teeth are generally not repairable and must be extracted and replaced with an artificial substitute such as a dental implant.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Tooth May Be Cracked?
If you have cracked teeth and suspect that one of your teeth is broken, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring cracked teeth can lead to further damage or even infection. Your endodontist will be able to diagnose the type and severity of the crack and determine the best course of action for restoring your tooth.
Cracked teeth can range from harmless craze lines to severe fractures requiring extensive treatment. It is essential to recognize cracked teeth early on so that they may be treated before more severe damage occurs. Endodontists can often restore the tooth and prevent further damage when cracked teeth are identified quickly.
FAQs
- What are cracked teeth?
Cracked teeth are cracks or breaks in the enamel layer of a tooth that can range from simple craze lines to severe fractures that require extensive treatment.
- How can cracked teeth be fixed?
The type of cracked tooth and its severity will determine how it should be treated. Simple craze lines can often be treated with enamel bonding. At the same time, more cracked severe teeth may require filling, crowns, root canal therapy, or even tooth extraction and replacement with an artificial substitute such as a dental implant.
- Who should I see if I think my tooth is cracked?
If you think your tooth may be cracked, it is essential to see an endodontist as soon as possible. An endodontist can diagnose the type and severity of the crack and determine the best course of action for restoring your tooth.