While there are many types of cracked teeth, most cracked teeth will exhibit the same symptoms. Symptoms of cracked teeth include:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Pain when releasing biting pressure
• Intermittent pain

During your initial consultation, our dentists will carefully examine your mouth to determine what kind of crack has developed. Once we know which type of cracked tooth you have, we will be able to create a treatment plan to restore the tooth.

Common types of cracked teeth include:

• Craze Lines — These are tiny cracks in the outer enamel of the tooth. Craze lines are superficial and do not require treatment unless you are looking for cosmetic improvement to your teeth.
• Fractured Cusps — Cracks that occur when the raised points of the teeth, or cusps, are weakened and break off. This type of cracking is usually treated with dental crowns.
• Cracked Tooth — This type of cracking extends from the chewing surface of the tooth towards the root. In some cases, it may extend below the gumline and into the root. Cracked teeth also often involve damage to the dental pulp. Root canal therapy and a dental crown are often needed to treat the tooth.
• Split Tooth — This occurs when a cracked tooth is not treated and the damaged tooth breaks into distinct segments. Depending on the position of the tooth and the severity of the damage, our dentists may not be able to save the tooth. If the tooth is savable, it will require an endodontic treatment.
• Vertical Root Fracture — This cracking begins at the tooth root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. There are no obvious symptoms to identify this type of cracking, and it may go undiagnosed for some time. If you experience this type of cracking, your tooth will most likely need to be extracted.

If you have any questions about cracked teeth or would like to make an appointment with our dentists, please contact our office today.