Break or Crack a Tooth? Here's What to do Next

Although teeth are the hardest part of our body and we generally do not worry about it happening, anyone that has broken or cracked a tooth knows how painful it can be. Despite being as careful as you can, you might still accidentally crack your tooth. This article will guide you through the steps you need to follow if such a scenario occurs.

In order to know how to treat the cracks in your teeth, it is important to have an understanding of all of the layers of your teeth. Our teeth can be divided into three layers:

  • Enamel: The hardest outer part of the tooth
  • Dentin: The hard part underlying the enamel with microscopic tubes. When the enamel has damage, hot and cold pass through causing more sensitivity. 
  • Pulp: The soft and innermost part of every tooth where the blood vessels and nerves go through.

Types of cracks in teeth

The treatment for cracks in teeth depends on the type of break or crack.

Fractured cusps

These are the cracks around your tooth filling. They usually occur when the filling is too large and they don’t cause much pain either. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may require endodontic therapy along with crown replacement.

Cracks that extend beyond the gums

If the crack extends beyond the gums, the tooth will need to be extracted promptly.

Split tooth

The crack extends from the surface to below the gum line. In this case, the dentist might be able to save half of the tooth.

Vertical root fracture

These cracks start from below the gum line and reach the top. There may be fewer symptoms and could need to be extracted.

Symptoms of a broken tooth

The symptoms of a broken or cracked tooth depend on the extent of the crack. You should see your dentist when you have symptoms such as pain while chewing or biting food, recurring pain, sensitive teeth, and swelling of the gums.

Just having a toothache or some dental problems does not mean that you also have a cracked tooth.

You can first try to confirm if you have a cracked tooth by doing the following quick DIY tests:

  • Know your dental history and your dieting habits
  • Feel for cracks with your tongue or fingers
  • Use a magnifying glass to search for any cracks
  • Use a dental dye
  • Look for inflammation, as it can be a sign of dental cracks
  • Perform a biting test

Treatment for cracked teeth

Finally, after confirming your suspicions of having a cracked tooth, you can visit a dentist to treat it. If the symptoms are absent or just mild, you may require no treatment. The course of treatment is based on the size, location, and type of crack that your tooth has. Your dentist will recommend the following treatment options:

Bonding

This treatment method will be recommended to you when the size of the crack is relatively small. The dentist will use plastic resin to fill the crack and restore the look and function of the tooth.

Crown

A crown is basically a prosthetic device made up of porcelain or ceramic used to cover the cracked tooth. During this process, the dentist will scrape some of the enamel and take the impression of your tooth. Then, it will be sent to a dental lab and get a crown ready that matches your tooth color. A well fixed and managed crown will last you a lifetime.

Root canal

This choice of treatment is chosen when the crack is extensive and extends to the pulp. This process helps in the prevention of infection and also strengthens the tooth from further damage.

Breaks or cracks in your teeth can become a real pain — whether that be physical pain or attempting to manage it. Visit the dentist if you suspect you could have a broken or cracked tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

Recent Posts

5 Types Of Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are unexpected and can be very stressful. Continue reading to learn about five common situations that are considered a dental emergency.Outlined below are accurate overviews of five types of dental emergencies that commonly occur:Injuries happen all the time due to sports or accidents. When a tooth becomes completely dislodged from the mouth, it…

Visiting An Emergency Dentist For A Cracked Tooth

Wondering whether you should see an emergency dentist for a cracked tooth? Read on to find out. A cracked tooth can lead to discomfort and become a frightening situation, especially if the crack happens suddenly as a result of dental trauma. When this occurs, it is important to contact an emergency dentist to determine if…

An Emergency Dentist Talks About Ways You Can Avoid An Emergency

While it is always a good idea to have an emergency dentist on call, individuals can avoid a dental emergency and all the pain, cost and hassle that comes with one by taking preventative measures. In many cases, this simply entails adopting healthy lifestyle habits.Dental emergencies, which range from toothache to fractured teeth to abscesses,…

Emergency Dentistry Visits For Common Tooth Accidents

An emergency dentistry office is accustomed to repairing trauma to teeth. This is one of the most frequent types of reasons why patients go. If you have had an accident and hurt one or more teeth, call an emergency dentist near you. Though you may be in pain and have risks for further problems, you…


Recent Posts

Preventive Dental Care &#    ; Proper Brushing

Preventive Dental Care - Proper Brushing

Many things go into good preventative dental care. One of the most important is brushing your teeth, but it's not something that people always do correctly. Today, we will talk about brushing your teeth correctly and why it's so crucial in preventative dental care.First, you need to use an actual toothbrush. There are many options…

Tips For Finding A TMJ Dentist

3 Tips For Finding A TMJ Dentist

Do you suffer from a TMJ disorder, and are you looking for a TMJ dentist? Individuals can start by seeing their primary general dentist, who has training on the temporomandibular joint and how it affects one's dental health, including the jaw and entire skull.In order to utilize the services of a TMJ dentist, it is…