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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?

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

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 fractured 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

Why Choose Dr. Patty?

For Consultation Call Now: (305) 735-3002

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.

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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.

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Fixing Cracked Teeth At Dr. Patty Miami

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.

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.

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Cracked Teeth FAQs

Can A Cracked Tooth Heal?

No. A cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth don’t have the ability to repair themselves. However, endodontics specialists can repair minor cracks and suggest appropriate treatments for extensive fractures.

If you have a cracked tooth, don’t delay treatment thinking it will go away on its own. Call us or schedule an appointment online with an endodontist at Dr. Patty Miami today.

Does A Cracked Tooth Need To Be Pulled?

Not all cracked teeth need to be extracted. Treatment for cracked teeth is based on the severity of the crack. While minor cracks can be addressed with bonding or dental crowns, a deeply cracked or decayed tooth may require more extensive forms of treatment.

Is A Cracked Tooth A Dental Emergency?

Not all tooth cracks are a dental emergency. Minor tooth fractures and chipped teeth are not usually considered an emergency. However, you should schedule an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

On the other hand, a major fracture that bleeds, causes excruciating pain, or where a big chunk of the tooth has broken off is considered an emergency and you should seek immediate medical attention.

What Happens If You Leave A Cracked Tooth Untreated?

An untreated cracked tooth can lead to infection, decay, and ultimately tooth loss. Cracked teeth shouldn’t be ignored. If you think you’ve cracked or fractured a tooth, getting it checked is important.

The longer you wait, the more you risk losing your tooth. Contact a Dr. Patty Miami endodontist to find more about the best way to deal with a cracked tooth.