Cracked Teeth
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can be challenging because symptoms often come and go. You may feel pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a sharp sensation when you release biting pressure. Because discomfort can be inconsistent, it is not always easy to identify the source without a focused evaluation.
When a tooth is cracked, chewing can cause the cracked segments to flex slightly, which may irritate the tissue inside the tooth. As pressure is released, the crack can close quickly and trigger a sharp pain. Over time, the inner tissue may become inflamed or infected, and symptoms may become more persistent. If infection develops, it can spread to the bone and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
Types of Cracks
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Craze LinesItem Link List Item 1
Craze lines are tiny surface cracks that affect only the outer enamel. They are common in adults, typically do not cause symptoms, and usually do not require treatment.
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Fractured CuspItem Link List Item 2
A fractured cusp occurs when a chewing cusp becomes weakened and breaks. This often involves a portion of the crown of the tooth and rarely affects the inner tissue. Your general dentist typically restores the tooth with a crown, and root canal therapy may not be necessary.
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Treatable Cracked ToothItem Link List Item 3
This type of crack starts on the chewing surface and extends toward the root. Symptoms may include pain when biting, sensitivity, or intermittent discomfort. If the crack affects the tissue inside the tooth, root canal therapy may be recommended to help preserve the tooth. Early evaluation is important because cracks can worsen over time.
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Split ToothItem Link List Item 4
A split tooth often develops from an untreated cracked tooth and results in distinct segments. A split tooth cannot usually be saved as a single tooth, but depending on the location and extent, a portion may sometimes be preserved with coordinated care between your endodontist and restorative dentist.
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Vertical Root FractureItem Link
A vertical root fracture begins in the root and extends upward. Symptoms may be subtle and can be difficult to detect. In some cases, surgery may be considered if part of the tooth can be preserved. If not, extraction may be recommended.
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Craze LinesItem Link List Item 1
Craze lines are tiny surface cracks that affect only the outer enamel. They are common in adults, typically do not cause symptoms, and usually do not require treatment.
-
Fractured CuspItem Link List Item 2
A fractured cusp occurs when a chewing cusp becomes weakened and breaks. This often involves a portion of the crown of the tooth and rarely affects the inner tissue. Your general dentist typically restores the tooth with a crown, and root canal therapy may not be necessary.
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Treatable Cracked ToothItem Link List Item 3
This type of crack starts on the chewing surface and extends toward the root. Symptoms may include pain when biting, sensitivity, or intermittent discomfort. If the crack affects the tissue inside the tooth, root canal therapy may be recommended to help preserve the tooth. Early evaluation is important because cracks can worsen over time.
-
Split ToothItem Link List Item 4
A split tooth often develops from an untreated cracked tooth and results in distinct segments. A split tooth cannot usually be saved as a single tooth, but depending on the location and extent, a portion may sometimes be preserved with coordinated care between your endodontist and restorative dentist.
-
Vertical Root FractureItem Link
A vertical root fracture begins in the root and extends upward. Symptoms may be subtle and can be difficult to detect. In some cases, surgery may be considered if part of the tooth can be preserved. If not, extraction may be recommended.