Fractured Tooth (Cracked Tooth): Common Causes And When To Seek Emergency Care

A cracked or fractured tooth happens when you grind, get injured, or because you are getting older—a cracked tooth results in pain and swelling. Your tooth might also feel sensitive to the changed temperature. If you have a fractured tooth, immediately consult an emergency dentist for an immediate solution. The treatment depends upon the location and severity of the crack. 

Causes Of Fractured Tooth

Teeth fractures or cracks due to various reasons and they include-

1. Pressure from teeth grinding or bruxism
2. Chewing or biting hard food, like ice, nuts, or hard candy
3. Fillings so large that they weaken the integrity of the tooth
4. Blows to the mouth due to car accidents, fistfights, sports injuries, or falls
5. Abrupt changes in temperature inside the mouth- for instance, eating something too hot and then suddenly shifting to ice water
6. Age: Most tooth cracks occur in people above the age of 50. 

Symptoms Of A Cracked Tooth

Not every broken tooth will initiate symptoms. But, when they come, they cause lots of problems. Some of them include-

1. Pain when you are chewing or biting, mainly when you release the bite
2. Swelling of the gums around the affected tooth
3. Sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweetness
4. Pain that comes and goes, but it rarely continuous for long
5. Swelling of gums around the affected tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to visit an emergency dentist in Austin for immediate support. 

Types Of Fractured Teeth You Might Experience

Your emergency dentist will classify the tooth fracture under the following categories-

• Cracked Tooth

The vertical crack runs from the tooth’s biting surface to the gum line. At times, it even extends into the gum line and roots. 

• Craze Lines

They are also called hairline cracks. They are small, thin cracks in the tooth enamel that do not hurt. 

• Fractured Cusp

You might have a fractured cusp if the crack forms around the filling. They are not painful. 

• Split Tooth

As the name suggests, it happens when the crack splits your tooth into two parts. A split tooth might run below the gum line. 

• Vertical Root Fracture

This crack starts below the gum line and moves towards the tooth’s surface. This type of cracked tooth might not cause symptoms unless the pulp becomes infected. 

Is A Cracked Tooth A Serious Injury?

Yes, it can if you neglect it for a long time. For instance, a crack in the tooth allows bacteria to enter the tooth pulp and cause an abscess. When left untreated, a tooth abscess spreads to the jawbone. It can also spread to the facial muscles, tendons, and fat cells in the face and neck region. 

What Are The Treatment Options For Fractured Teeth? 

Tooth crack treatment depends upon how damaged your tooth is. Some of the common treatments include-

• Dental Bonding

The cracks can be filled with tooth-colored resin. 

• Dental contouring

The dental care professional smooths out the rough edges, checks and adjusts the areas where the tooth is creating issues, and then polishing is done. 

• Veneers

These are custom-made shells that fit on the front portion of the tooth. They may be made of porcelain or plastic. 

• Root Canal

A cracked tooth that extends to the tooth pulp can lead to infection. A dental care specialist might recommend an RCT to remove the infected pulp. 

• Tooth Extraction

If a severe tooth fracture extends to the root and nerves, an emergency dentist may recommend extraction. A dental bridge can then be placed to restore function and appearance.

Although a crack can be fixed, a broken tooth will never fully return to its original state, unlike a fractured bone. However, seeking timely treatment allows you to save your tooth and avoid infection and additional damage. While you may feel soreness in your mouth post-treatment, the discomfort should lessen after a few days.

Maintaining good dental hygiene, steering clear of hard foods, and using a mouth guard if you grind your teeth or engage in contact sports can help protect your smile. At Arbor Oaks Dental Austin, we provide the best treatment for cracked or fractured teeth. We provide comprehensive emergency dental care and have a compassionate approach towards our patients. Book an appointment with us to fix your broken tooth. 

FAQs On Cracked Or Fractured Tooth

Q: What Is A Cracked Or Fractured Tooth?

A: A cracked or fractured tooth is any break or crack in the tooth’s structure. It can change from a tiny hairline crack to a large visible fracture. Cracks can happen in the enamel, dentin, or even on the tooth’s root. 

Q:What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Teeth?

A:The symptoms might vary, and some of the common signs include-

1. Pain when chewing or biting
2. Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
3. Sensitivity to hot or cold food
4. Visible cracks or fractures
5. Pain that comes and goes

Q:How is Cracked Tooth Treated?

A:The treatment depends upon the severity of the crack-

1. Minor Cracks- sometimes a filling or bonding is used for restoring the tooth
2. Severe Cracks- RCT is recommended if the crack goes deep in the tooth or affects the root. 
3. Large Fractures– A crown or cap is placed over the tooth to protect it. 

Q:How to Prevent Fractured Tooth?

A:Preventive measures need to be followed like-

1. Avoid hard food
2. Wear a mouthguard
3. Regular dental visits
4. Good oral hygiene