CRACKED TEETH
Your teeth are incredibly strong. They can endure a lifetime of chewing, biting, and even ripping open stubborn bags of chips (just kidding… please don’t do that!). But resistant as they are, it’s still possible for your teeth to crack or break under pressure. Read on to learn more about how the endodontic specialists at Dr. Patty Miami can save a cracked or fractured tooth.
HOW DO I KNOW IF
I HAVE A CRACKED
TOOTH?
Identifying a cracked tooth is not always easy because you may not experience any symptoms to begin with. That’s one of the reasons we recommend visiting your dentist at Dr. Patty Miami twice a year for regular checkups. However, there are some warning signs that may indicate a cracked or fracture tooth:
- Tooth pain that comes and goes. Unlike a [cavity] or a [tooth infection], the pain from a cracked tooth is sporadic. You may only experience pain when you eat specific foods or bite down in a certain way
- Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweetness
- Swelling around the affected tooth
- Infection. Sometimes a cracked tooth can lead to an infection, which can look like a small and painful bump on the gum line near the tooth
You may have noticed that your teeth may have begun to show little lines or cracks on the surface over time. Although they may seem concerning, these are usually superficial “craze lines” that develop with normal wear and tear. Most of these cracks are limited to the outer layer of the tooth and are not serious as long as they don’t penetrate deeper inside the structure.
But there are a number of other reasons why a tooth might crack beyond normal use and aging, including:
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Biting down on hard foods like ice or nuts
- Chewing unevenly
- Brittleness following a root canal
- Exposure to temperature extremes (like eating hot soup and immediately washing it down with ice water)
- Loss of tooth structure due to inappropriate fillings
TYPES OF
TOOTH CRACKS
CRAZE LINES
As mentioned above, craze lines are tiny, shallow cracks that only affect the tooth’s surface. In most cases craze lines are nothing to be worried about. However, if you are bothered by their appearance, your dentist may recommend cosmetic alternatives, like [veneers] or bonding.
FRACTURED CUSP
A cusp is the pointy part of a tooth’s chewing surface. A fractured cusp is usually a minor crack, but it can also mean that a small piece of your tooth has broken off. If the fracture is too close to the tooth’s root, you may need root canal treatment to avoid infection and restore the tooth’s functionality.
SPLIT TOOTH
A split tooth is often the result of an untreated cracked tooth. Usually, a split tooth will have a crack that travels from the surface all the way below the gum line. The position and extent of the damage will determine if the tooth can be saved. In some cases, a combination of endodontic treatment with cosmetic restoration can be used to salvage a portion of the tooth.
VERTICAL ROOT FRACTURE
This type of fracture begins below the gum line and extends upwards toward the chewing surface. Unfortunately, vertical root fractures don’t produce many symptoms unless the tooth becomes infected and damaged beyond repair. Your endodontist at Dr. Patty Miami will advise you on the most appropriate treatment options if you have a vertical root fracture.
FIXING CRACKED
TEETH AT
DR. PATTY MIAMI
ROOT CANAL
A severe crack or fracture might require a root canal to restore the integrity of the tooth. Click here to learn more about painless root canals at Dr. Patty Miami.
EXTRACTION
When the entire structure, nerves, and roots of the tooth have been severely damaged or compromised, the only option may be to remove it. If you need to have your tooth extracted, your dentist might recommend a [dental implant].
Having a cracked tooth is an unpleasant experience. It can cause pain and sensitivity, and when left untreated, it may lead to more severe health concerns. At Dr. Patty Miami, our board-certified endodontists are experts at diagnosing and treating cracked teeth. Our goal is to prevent further damage and preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, so you can keep turning heads with that sexy smile of yours.
Treatment for a cracked or fractured tooth depends on the location and severity. During your visit to our upscale dental and medical boutique, your endodontists will carefully examine the tooth and make suggestions to address the damage. Sometimes a cracked tooth may require a [root canal], and in severe cases, it may need to be extracted altogether. To fix a cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:
BONDING
Your dentist will apply a high-quality tooth-colored composite resin to fill the crack and restore your tooth’s function.
CROWNS
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth. Click here to learn more about dental crowns at Dr. Patty Miami.
CRACKED TEETH
FAQs
Can a cracked tooth heal?
Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled?
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
What happens if you leave a cracked tooth untreated?
WHY CHOOSE DR. PATTY?
For A CONSULTATION? CALL 305-735-3002 OR CLICK HERE
Excellent dental care and outstanding customer service are not the only things that set us apart. At Dr. Patty Miami, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond the mark to offer our clients an upscale, anxiety-free experience at every visit.
Discover the exclusive perks offered at Dr. Patty Miami:
Numbness reversal: Numbness can be limiting, affecting one’s speech, smile, and ability to drink after a visit. Dr. Patty’s reversal process allows clients to leave the dental boutique and carry on with their day as if nothing happened, so you don’t have to worry about canceling your engagements after your procedure.
Laser: The professionals at Dr. Patty Miami are committed to your health and wellness. That’s why we use lasers to offer a safe, anxiety-free dental experience without drills and scalpels. This innovative laser technology has several advantages, including minimal intervention and, in most cases, little-to-no anesthesia.
Sedation dentistry: Multiple options for a more comfortable and nerve-free experience.
Personal Concierge Service: We can arrange everything from RedCap or limo transportation to and from your appointment to making nearby lunch or dinner reservations for after your appointment.
Advanced Digital Surround X-Rays: Minimal exposure, more precise, and digitally stored for your convenience.
State-of-the-art technologies and facilities: Complimentary wine & Nespresso coffee bar, hot towel service, temple massage therapy, paraffin treatments, music & movie selections are just a few of the amenities you’ll find at our ultra-chic, upscale facilities.