Las Vegas Endodontics provides cracked teeth treatment in Las Vegas, NV. Call 702-876-5800 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
How Do Cracked Teeth Develop?
Cracks can develop in teeth due to a variety of causes. One of the most common causes is teeth grinding (bruxism). The force of constant grinding and clenching of the teeth can weaken and the enamel and cracks can develop. Old metal fillings can cause teeth to crack due to the repeated expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Some cracks occur due to injuries. When cracks are discovered and treated promptly there is a good chance that the tooth can be saved.
Types of Cracked Teeth
Teeth can develop a variety of different types of cracks, including:
- Craze lines. Over time teeth can develop thin, shallow cracks that don’t compromise the deeper layers of the tooth. Since they are only superficial, they rarely need to be treated.
- Fractured cusp. It is common for the corner of a tooth to break off, resulting in a small chip. As long as the break is small and not too deep, the tooth may only need a crown and not root canal therapy.
- Treatable cracked tooth. A crack that starts in the crown and extends toward the gums is often treatable, as long as the crack doesn’t go too far. The tooth will most likely need root canal therapy and a crown to fully repair the damage and prevent the crack from worsening.
- Untreatable cracked tooth. Otherwise known as a split tooth, when a crack in a tooth extends beneath the gums and further down the root, the tooth is less likely to be saved. A split tooth is often the result of a crack that went untreated for too long. We can assess the extent of the crack and the condition of the tooth to make a decision on the best course of treatment.
- Vertical root fracture. A crack may start in the root of the tooth and extend toward the crown. This may be treated by going under the gum tissue to repair the crack. In some cases the damage is too extensive and the tooth may need to be extracted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
How will I know if I have a cracked tooth?
Cracked teeth can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms tend to come and go. You may have pain in the cracked tooth and/or increased sensitivity to cold and heat. If the crack leads to an infected tooth, you’ll know it because the pain will significantly increase and you may have swelling or develop an abscess on the gum tissue around the tooth. If you have any abnormal symptoms, it is best to have an examination.
Does a cracked tooth always need root canal therapy?
A cracked tooth may be treated with root canal therapy in some cases, but in other cases not. We can determine whether or not to do the procedure based on the depth of the crack and by assessing your symptoms.
Can a cracked tooth be restored with a filling instead of a crown?
In some cases a filling may be enough to repair a cracked tooth. But there is always a risk that the crack could worsen. Placing a crown over a cracked tooth is usually the safest option to preserve the tooth and stop the crack from deepening.
How can I prevent cracked teeth?
It is not always possible to prevent cracks from developing in your teeth. But if you grind your teeth it can help to wear a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from damage. It also helps to keep your tooth enamel strong by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing your teeth once a day. If you have any old metal fillings, consider having them replaced with composite fillings.
Call 702-876-5800 to schedule an appointment.