Do you have a cracked tooth? As strong as tooth enamel is, it is still possible for a tooth to crack. Cracked teeth can occur due to weakened enamel, metal fillings, biting down on something hard, or an injury to the mouth. 

If you have a cracked tooth, you may be wondering if it can be saved. Here’s what you need to know about cracked tooth restoration. 

 

Types of Cracks in Teeth 

There are a few different types of cracked teeth, and the type is the determining factor in whether or not the tooth can be saved. Types of cracks include: 

• Craze lines. Tiny zig-zag cracks can form in the top layer of enamel. These are typically only superficial and won’t cause any risks to the health of your tooth. Craze lines don’t require treatment in most cases. 

• Crack above the gum line. If there is a crack in the crown of your tooth that does not extend into the gum line, there is a good chance that the tooth can be saved. It depends on the depth of the crack and the health of the tooth. 

• Crack under the gum line. If the crack extends below the gum line or begins in the root of the tooth under the gums, there is a high probability that the tooth can not be saved.

• Fractured cusp. If a piece of your tooth breaks away, the tooth may be able to be saved. It depends on the size and depth of the break and the health of the tooth. 

 

Treatment for Cracked Teeth 

Cracked teeth are treated according to the situation: 

• Dental sealants or composite fillings. If your teeth have extensive craze lines that may increase your risk of tooth decay, you may need to have dental sealant or fillings applied to prevent plaque from forming in the cracks. 

• Root canal and crown. A cracked tooth is at a high risk of infection because bacteria could reach the root canal through the crack and infect the dental pulp inside the tooth. A root canal is a procedure that removes the dental pulp and fills the tooth with composite material that fortifies the structure and prevents infection. A crown is then placed over the remaining tooth material for protection. 

• Extraction and replacement. If the crack is too extensive the tooth may need to be extracted. An extracted tooth should always be replaced with either a bridge or a dental implant to keep the rest of the teeth in proper alignment and maintain chewing capabilities. 

 

Seek Prompt Treatment to Save the Tooth 

When it comes to a cracked tooth, the difference between saving the tooth and losing it is often time. Seek treatment right away for a cracked tooth, because the situation will only worsen over time. A tooth cannot repair itself. The crack will become deeper and longer, eventually resulting in a split tooth or a painful infection. 

 

Who Should I See for a Cracked Tooth?

Your general dentist may be able to treat a cracked tooth, but some cases may require the expertise of a specialist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of the inner portion of a tooth, the root canal and dental pulp. If your tooth is at risk due to a severe crack, an endodontist may be able to save it. 

Elite Endodontics of NH provides treatment for cracked teeth. We will do our best to save your tooth and restore it to its natural appearance and function. 

Contact us right away if you have a cracked tooth to learn more and schedule an appointment.

A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. A tooth may crack due to a variety of causes from teeth grinding to injuries. There are different types of cracks that develop in teeth, and the type of crack is a big factor in the outcome. 

If you have a cracked tooth you may be unsure of what to do about it. Can a cracked tooth heal on its own? Or will it require treatment of some kind? Here’s what you need to know about how to handle your cracked tooth. 

 

A Cracked Tooth Requires Treatment 

Unfortunately, a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Tooth enamel is incapable of repairing itself the way other bones in your body may do. It won’t regenerate and the crack will not close up without dental treatment. 

 

Instead, the crack leaves your tooth susceptible to infection. A crack in the enamel exposes the dental pulp, the soft tissue on the inside of your tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. If bacteria from your mouth invades the dental pulp, a painful tooth infection can form. An untreated tooth infection could mean the tooth can’t be saved and will need to be extracted. 

 

How is a Cracked Tooth Treated? 

The way a cracked tooth is treated depends on the type of crack: 

• Craze lines. Tiny hairline cracks occur in the crown of a tooth that are superficial and don’t extend beyond the enamel. These pose no risk and do not need to be treated. 

• Cracked tooth. A traditional crack in a tooth starts in the crown and travels toward the gum line. If the crack has not yet extended below the gums, the tooth can typically be restored with a crown leaving the root of the tooth in place. It is crucial to address this type of crack quickly to prevent it from worsening and extending into the gums. 

• Vertical root fracture. In rare cases the crack will start in the root of the tooth and extend toward the crown. These types of cracks are typically untreatable, meaning the tooth will need to be extracted and replaced. 

• Split tooth. When a crack in a tooth extends far enough from the crown down into the root, the tooth is essentially split in half. Once it goes this far the tooth is most likely unable to be saved and will need to be extracted and replaced. 

 

Time is Crucial With a Cracked Tooth 

A crack in a tooth should be treated as soon as it is discovered for the best chance of saving the tooth. The crack will not heal on its own; it will only worsen, spreading further across the tooth and down into the root. A cracked tooth is at risk of infection as bacteria can enter the root canal of the tooth and infect the pulp. When a crack is discovered early, the tooth can be restored with a crown. A crown is a tooth shaped cap that is placed over the existing tooth, allowing the root to remain in place to support the tooth. 

 

Restoring a cracked tooth with a crown is preferable for a variety of reasons. It allows your natural tooth root to stay in place and prevents the need for an expensive replacement, such as a bridge or a dental implant. Leaving a gap due to a missing tooth allows your other teeth to shift out of position and the support structures for the absent tooth to deteriorate. Saving the natural tooth is best for your dental health, and replacing it is the next best option. 

 

Elite Endodontics of Treats Cracked Teeth 

If you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait. Contact Hudson Endodontics right away to have the tooth treated. We provide prompt treatment that can save your tooth in many cases. 

Call 603-882-5455 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. There are a variety of reasons a crack may form in a tooth, but if it occurs it should be addressed right away. A cracked tooth is at a high risk of infection and prompt treatment could save the tooth. 

How does an endodontist repair a cracked tooth? Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosis, treatment, causes, and prevention of cracked teeth. 

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is not always something you can see. You may experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Sensitivity to cold or heat. 
• Residual pain like a toothache. 
• Pain when chewing or biting. 
• Swelling around the tooth. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate treatment. 

Common Causes of a Cracked Tooth

A tooth may crack due to a variety of causes: 

• Grinding your teeth. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common habit. It mostly occurs at night while you sleep, which is why many people don’t realize they do it. The constant pressure it puts on the teeth can gradually weaken the enamel and cause it to crack. 

• Metal (amalgam) fillings. Cavities used to be filled with metal (amalgam), which can expand and contract with changes in temperature. When the filling expands, your tooth enamel doesn’t, it may eventually cause the tooth to crack. 

• Weak enamel. Tooth enamel can be weak for a variety of reasons such as a fluoride and/or calcium deficiency, or just the natural makeup of your teeth. Weak enamel is more susceptible to cracking. 

• Biting or chewing something hard. Chewing or biting hard candy, nuts, seeds, and ice can cause a tooth to crack, as well as non-food items. 

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth will most likely be treated with a root canal and a crown. A root canal involves removal of the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth. Dental pulp is soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that is integral in the development of the tooth, but is no longer needed in a mature tooth. The inside of the tooth, the root canal, is filled with a rubbery replacement filling that will prevent future infection. A crown is then placed over the existing tooth to protect the root. 

A cracked tooth may require minor oral surgery if the crack extends downward below the gum line or begins below the gum line and extends upwards toward the crown of the tooth. 

How To Prevent Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth can not always be prevented, but you can reduce the chances with these tips: 

• Avoid using your teeth to remove tags or open containers. One of the most common causes of a cracked tooth is using your teeth for something other than chewing food. Don’t try to remove tags or open containers using your teeth. 

• Don’t chew items that aren’t food. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or other non-food items that could damage your teeth and cause a crack. 

• Have old metal fillings replaced. If you have one or more metal fillings, consider having them replaced with composite fillings. 

• Get plenty of fluoride and calcium. Use fluoride toothpaste and get plenty of calcium from diet or vitamin supplements. 

Why See an Endodontist for a Cracked Tooth?

A simple cracked tooth can most likely be treated by a general dentist. However, an endodontist specializes in the treatment of teeth from the inside out, focusing on the dental pulp and saving your natural teeth. An endodontist can identify a small crack in a tooth using high tech diagnostic equipment that would otherwise be difficult to locate. Endodontists perform root canal procedures as well as more complex oral surgeries to treat cracks below the gum line. 

Elite Endodontics of NH Provides Treatment for Cracked Teeth

If you have a cracked tooth or any of the symptoms indicating a cracked tooth, Elite Endodontics of NH can diagnose and repair it. It is our goal to save your teeth whenever possible so that they can remain in your mouth with the natural roots intact. 

To learn more, call 603-882-5455 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. There are a variety of reasons a crack may form in a tooth, but if it occurs it should be addressed right away. A cracked tooth is at a high risk of infection and prompt treatment could save the tooth.

How does an endodontist repair a cracked tooth? Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosis, treatment, causes, and prevention of cracked teeth.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is not always something you can see. You may experience any of the following symptoms:

Sensitivity to cold or heat.
Residual pain like a toothache.
Pain when chewing or biting.
Swelling around the tooth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate treatment.

Common Causes of a Cracked Tooth
A tooth may crack due to a variety of causes:

Grinding your teeth. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common habit. It mostly occurs at night while you sleep, which is why many people don’t realize they do it. The constant pressure it puts on the teeth can gradually weaken the enamel and cause it to crack.

Metal (amalgam) fillings. Cavities used to be filled with metal (amalgam), which can expand and contract with changes in temperature. When the filling expands, your tooth enamel doesn’t, it may eventually cause the tooth to crack.

Weak enamel. Tooth enamel can be weak for a variety of reasons such as a fluoride and/or calcium deficiency, or just the natural makeup of your teeth. Weak enamel is more susceptible to cracking.

Biting or chewing something hard. Chewing or biting hard candy, nuts, seeds, and ice can cause a tooth to crack, as well as non-food items.

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth will most likely be treated with a root canal and a crown. A root canal involves removal of the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth. Dental pulp is soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that is integral in the development of the tooth, but is no longer needed in a mature tooth. The inside of the tooth, the root canal, is filled with a rubbery replacement filling that will prevent future infection. A crown is then placed over the existing tooth to protect the root.

A cracked tooth may require minor oral surgery if the crack extends downward below the gum line or begins below the gum line and extends upwards toward the crown of the tooth.

How To Prevent Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can not always be prevented, but you can reduce the chances with these tips:

Avoid using your teeth to remove tags or open containers. One of the most common causes of a cracked tooth is using your teeth for something other than chewing food. Don’t try to remove tags or open containers using your teeth.

Don’t chew items that aren’t food. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or other non-food items that could damage your teeth and cause a crack.

Have old metal fillings replaced. If you have one or more metal fillings, consider having them replaced with composite fillings.

Get plenty of fluoride and calcium. Use fluoride toothpaste and get plenty of calcium from diet or vitamin supplements.

Why See an Endodontist for a Cracked Tooth?
A simple cracked tooth can most likely be treated by a general dentist. However, an endodontist specializes in the treatment of teeth from the inside out, focusing on the dental pulp and saving your natural teeth. An endodontist can identify a small crack in a tooth using high tech diagnostic equipment that would otherwise be difficult to locate. Endodontists perform root canal procedures as well as more complex oral surgeries to treat cracks below the gum line.

Elite Endodontics of NH Provides Treatment for Cracked Teeth
If you have a cracked tooth or any of the symptoms indicating a cracked tooth, Elite Endodontics of NH can diagnose and repair it. It is our goal to save your teeth whenever possible so that they can remain in your mouth with the natural roots intact.

To learn more, call 603-882-5455 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

A cracked tooth is a broken or chipped tooth. It can be caused by biting down on something hard, an injury, or grinding your teeth.

Cracked teeth are more common than you might think. It’s estimated that around 20% of the population has experienced some form of dental trauma during their lives.

What are the common causes of a cracked tooth?

The most common causes of cracked teeth include:

• Tooth decay. The most common cause of a cracked tooth is tooth decay. A cavity in your tooth can lead to an infection that spreads through the dentin and into the pulp. The tooth's strength is then compromised, and a crack may result.
• Trauma/injury. Sports injuries, falls, or accidents can cause cracks in teeth. 
• Bruxism/teeth grinding. A common cause of cracked teeth is bruxism or grinding your teeth at night while asleep. 
• Acidic foods. Some acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can also cause cracks in your teeth if consumed regularly over an extended period.

What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Although a cracked tooth may not be visible to the eye, it can be painful. If you have a cracked tooth, the pain will typically be worse after eating or drinking hot or cold foods and liquids. It’s also common to experience swelling in your gums near the cracked tooth.

How can I avoid a cracked tooth?

You can help avoid a cracked tooth by following these steps:

• Practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled brush. Floss once daily to remove food particles from between the teeth.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice cubes or pens; they can cause cracks in your teeth that lead to decay and further damage.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
• Try not to grind your teeth because the pressure can cause teeth to crack. If you grind your teeth during sleep, your dentist may recommend a night guard to avoid tooth damage.

How does an endodontist diagnose a cracked tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, the best way for your dentist to detect it is through a visual exam and dental x-rays. However, sometimes even the most thorough visual examination of your teeth may not reveal cracks that are too small or obstructed. 

In these cases, an endodontist may use a surgical microscope to identify cracks in your root canal system that cannot be seen with ordinary magnification.

What are the treatments for a cracked tooth?

Several treatments are available to repair a cracked tooth. The decision about which treatment is best depends on the type and extent of the damage to your tooth and your general health and oral health history. The most common treatments are:

1) Composite restoration.

2) Root canal therapy.

3) Crown placement.

4) Extraction.

Can a cracked tooth be saved?

Elite Endodontics of NH can help diagnose and save a cracked tooth. If you suspect your tooth is cracked or fractured, seek treatment immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, call our office today at 603-882-5455. Or schedule an appointment online.

Tooth enamel is designed to withstand lots of wear and tear and force. It's a tough substance, but it's not unbreakable. Biting down on a hard object or getting hit in the mouth while playing a sport are just a few examples of things that can cause a tooth to crack or break.

Although anyone can crack a tooth, it occurs most often in kids and older adults. If you think you might have a cracked tooth, keep an eye out for possible symptoms.

Signs of a Cracked Tooth

Whether you can tell if a tooth is cracked or not depends on the type of break and how severe it is. In some cases, you might have cracked a tooth but not have any symptoms. If you think you might have damaged a tooth but don't have any of the following signs, it can still be worthwhile to see an endodontist for an exam. They can examine the tooth and let you know if there's an issue.

If you noticed any of the following signs of a cracked tooth, an appointment with an endodontist is a must:

1. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

A cracked tooth can become more sensitive to heat or cold. When the tooth cracks, a small split or fracture in the enamel allows heat or cold to reach the pulp and nerves inside. They are likely to react to changes in temperature.

2. Pain When Chewing

You might have some pain when you crack a tooth, but the pain isn't likely to be constant. Instead, you'll most likely feel it when you move your teeth, such as during chewing.

Moving the teeth can cause the fractured enamel to move, which can irritate the soft tissue underneath. The irritated tissue is likely to cause discomfort. If the tooth doesn't get fixed quickly, the irritation can persist, causing long-term damage to the pulp.

3. Swelling Around the Tooth

If the crack is severe and left untreated for some time, it can become infected. The infection can then spread to other areas around the tooth, such as the gum and bone. One sign of infection due to a cracked tooth is swelling in the gums. The gums might feel tender to the touch or you might notice a small bump in the gums near the tooth.

How to Save a Cracked Tooth

An endodontist can save a cracked tooth. If you suspect that your tooth is cracked or fractured, the sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

The treatment method an endodontist will use depends on the type of crack and its severity. If the tooth is fractured but the break doesn't extend to the pulp, an endodontist is likely to replace the broken part of the tooth with a crown or filling.

If the chewing surface of the tooth is cracked but the crack is still above the gum line, treatment might include a root canal and a crown, depending on the depth of the crack.

In some cases, such as when the crack extends beneath the gum line, your endodontist might need to remove the entire tooth. They can replace it with an implant and crown.

If you think you've cracked a tooth, call our office today at 603-882-5455. Or, schedule an appointment online.