It is easy to miss a cracked tooth, especially if you only experience discomfort at times, such as when chewing. However, with a team of specialists who have an in-depth knowledge of diagnosing and treating cracked teeth, Prostho Endo Dental Group can evaluate and treat cracked tooth concerns. Because cracked teeth can progress over time, early detection is critical to preserving natural tooth structure as long as possible and ensuring your overall comfort, biting ability, and oral health. For North Bethesda, MD, area patients, this means we take the time to properly evaluate and identify the problem tooth and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Identifying & Addressing Cracks Before Further Damage
Cracks in teeth may be visible, or they may not be, and the patient may experience different discomfort patterns and levels. Cracks may be detected when biting down and releasing pressure on the tooth and biting surface. Patients may notice temperature sensitivity to cold or heat, or a sensitivity to sugar. Symptoms like these may indicate a cracked tooth or may suggest other dental concerns, so a careful diagnosis is essential.
The team at Prostho Endo Dental Group may examine and diagnose the problem tooth by performing a clinical exam, bite testing, magnification, periodontal testing, and x-rays where appropriate. Although the x-ray itself may not reveal cracks, we can detect the changes at the root or in the bone that suggest diagnosis and the need for treatment. The diagnosis determines whether a tooth is cracked and how deep it is, as well as whether it can be restored.
Examining Different Fractures & Patterns
Cracked teeth may require treatment in different ways, depending on their pattern, location, and extent. A crack or fracture in the surface layer of enamel, or a “craze line,” may present less of a concern than a deep fracture extending to the nerve in the tooth or into the root of the tooth. We evaluate the tooth to determine whether it needs to be restored and stabilized or whether to monitor the progress of the crack or fracture.
Cracked tooth patterns may include:
- Craze lines in the outer surface of the enamel, not going deeper
- Cracked cusps that involve weakening of the biting surface
- The crack is extending into the nerve space of the tooth
- Split tooth: a crack that extends into two pieces of the tooth
- The crack extends into the root of the tooth and may start below the gumline
Each of these cracks or fractures is unique, and earlier cracks or cracks in the early stage are easier to stabilize than those that have extended into or beyond the root or into deep tooth structures.
Saving Your Tooth Through Intervention
The sooner the cracked tooth treatment is initiated to save teeth, the better, because cracks spread when the tooth and its surface are exposed to biting pressure. Every tooth takes significant pressure throughout the day to help us chew food and bite off chunks of an apple or a bagel. As the tooth weakens and the crack continues, the crack extends deeper.
Early cracked tooth treatment helps prevent the crack from extending to the nerve inside or below the gumline and into the root of the tooth. It reduces the chances of further damage, discomfort, infection, and tooth loss occurring. Prostho Endo Dental Group takes a conservative approach and is patient-focused, so we do not rush patients into treatment that they may not need. A fractured cusp or a more significant crack may necessitate the use of a crown or other restoration to maintain the integrity of the tooth and distribute occlusal forces more effectively.
If a crack has compromised the nerve, root canal therapy will likely be required prior to the tooth being restored. When the fracture extends too far below the gum or through the root, extraction may prove to be the best option. The team will be happy to discuss solutions clearly and empathetically so every patient is clear on all of the possibilities.
Protecting Teeth From Additional Structural Damage
In most cases, a cracked tooth will require some kind of protection from additional damage resulting from ongoing biting forces. Depending on the case, this will entail bite adjustment, placement of a temporary restoration, recommendation of a crown, or discussion of a nightguard to protect the teeth if a patient is clenching or grinding.
Protection is most important for the teeth at the back of the mouth, which support the brunt of chewing forces. Without any type of support, a crack that is already present is likely to get worse. By protecting and reinforcing the tooth, the team can help avoid other dental problems down the road.
When Root Canal Therapy May Be Necessary
When a crack has resulted in a condition that allows bacteria or irritants to enter and damage the pulp (the nerve of the tooth), then root canal therapy is likely necessary. Signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition include temperature sensitivity, discomfort, swelling, tenderness to biting, and x-ray changes.
With the unique ability to approach both root canal and restorative treatment needs, at Prostho Endo Dental Group, patients can better understand the entire picture. The question is, can the pulp be treated, and can the tooth be predictably restored afterward? This can be very beneficial in determining the best treatment path for every case.
Supporting Strength Through Crowns & Restorations
A cracked tooth that has been stabilized requires a strong final restoration. The most common form of restoration for this purpose is a crown, which covers and supports the tooth, reducing the movement (flexing) of the tooth while biting. Depending on the case, other forms of restorations may be appropriate if the tooth has been structurally compromised to a significant degree.
The final restoration must be placed correctly and feel comfortable in the bite, while protecting without excessive biting pressure. The team at Prostho Endo Dental Group can place a quality and functional restoration for every situation.
Continuous Monitoring For Continued Success
For the most successful outcome with cracked tooth treatment, ongoing check-ups may be necessary after the tooth has been repaired and restored. If the original condition was significant, more frequent check-ups may be required to ensure that no new complications have developed. During follow-up, the team will be assessing the tooth’s comfort level and ability to support chewing forces, as well as the health of the supporting bone and gum tissue.
We also encourage our patients to contact our team if any of the same or new symptoms develop. With the right follow-up, many cracked teeth can continue functioning effectively and symptom-free for a long time.
The team at Prostho Endo Dental Group in North Bethesda, MD, understands the importance of a comprehensive approach when treating cracked teeth. Utilizing advanced diagnostic procedures, endodontic treatment, restorative services, and the benefit of ongoing monitoring, we can help to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible and support every patient in making educated choices.