Cracked/Broken Tooth | Endodontist in Whitby

Did you know that the outer enamel (surface of your teeth) is your body’s hardest and most highly mineralized substance? Tooth enamel is more robust than your bones. Although they are tough, you can still get tooth fractures or cracks, just like bones. Continue reading to understand advice, diagnosis, or treatment of cracked teeth from your endodontist in Whitby.

What Causes a Cracked/Broken Tooth?

There are many reasons a tooth might crack or break. These reasons are:

• Biting on hard foods like ice, hard candies, and nuts
• Jaw clenching or grinding your teeth
• Unevenly Chewing 
• Loss of tooth structure from wear
• Exposure to extreme temperature  
• Brittleness of teeth following root canal therapy

How do I Know if I Cracked My Tooth?

Cracked teeth usually fall into one of the following: craze lines, fractured cusps, cracks that run through the tooth’s crown and reach the gum line, split teeth, and vertical root fractures.  

Often, the hairline fractures may be nearly invisible to the human eye. At times, these tiny cracks cannot be seen on X-Rays. However, regardless of the type of crack, there are five significant warning signs you should be aware of:

1. Tooth pain when biting or chewing – Pain is a good indicator of a cracked tooth, although you might not experience it all the time. It may only happen when you eat certain foods or bite down a certain way.
2. Pain when chewing – If the pain in your tooth comes and goes. Tooth decay pain is constant. If you are not experiencing persistent pain, you likely have a cracked/broken tooth.
3. Sensitivity – Experiencing pain when biting into hot foods or cold liquids. You may also experience sensitivity while eating sticky, sweet, or sour foods. 
4. Infection – A cracked tooth can lead to an infection along the gum line in the fracture area. This infection looks like a small bump on the gum near the tooth.
5. No visible signs – With a cavity, you can often see a dark spot or a hole where the enamel has eroded. If you have tooth pain but cannot see any obvious signs, it may indicate a cracked tooth.

How is a Cracked Tooth Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the tooth. Tiny craze line cracks are common in teeth and typically do not require any treatment. However, fractures that affect the cusp of a tooth may require a treatment procedure – possibly a dental crown.

Roughly 20% of cracked teeth require a root canal; in some severe cases, the damaged tooth may need to be removed altogether. If that is the case, Dr. Grossman or Dr. Geisler will replace the tooth with an implant or a bridge.

What Should I Do If I Have Cracked Tooth?

Early dental care treatment is essential with a cracked or split tooth. If not treated immediately, the crack will worsen and may result in tooth loss. If you discover a broken tooth or are experiencing tooth pain, contact your endodontist in Whitby.

Call Your Endodontist in Whitby, Ontario

You receive the finest endodontic and oral health care at Whitby Endodontics. Our goal is to provide unsurpassed quality in a compassionate environment and save the tooth at all costs. We strive to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible.