Cracked Teeth & Extractions

Having a crack in a tooth can be distressing.

You may be wondering what treatment options are available, and whether or not your dentist will simply extract the tooth.

Below is helpful information about cracked teeth, including what leads to the development of a cracked tooth, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Leads to a Cracked Tooth?

There are different ways in which you can crack your tooth. These include:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
  • Chewing on hard objects
  • Trauma/Accidents
  • Eating hard foods
  • Age

Signs to Look Out For

Outside of an obvious fracture, there are a few different symptoms you can look for to better determine if your tooth is cracked. Some signs of a cracked tooth include:

  • Consistent pain in the tooth
  • Swelling
  • Sensitivity
  • Pain when eating

Cracked Teeth & Extractions

A tooth extraction is a last resort when it comes to the treatment of a cracked tooth. Instead, your dentist will often opt for one of the following options to treat your cracked tooth:

  • Dental Bonding: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which resin is used to treat minor cracks.
  • Dental Veneers: Veneers are more comprehensive and involve the use of a durable prosthetic to treat a more significant crack.
  • Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a prosthetic that replaces most or all of a patient’s natural crown. It is for more severe cracks.

If the crack is too significant, your dentist will extract the tooth. By taking action early, though, you can generally avoid extraction entirely.

Can I Prevent a Cracked Tooth?

Outside of an accident occurring (like falling down the stairs), a cracked tooth can generally be prevented.

The easiest way to prevent a fractured tooth is to take proper care of your oral health. This includes brushing twice a day, rinsing your mouth out, and flossing. You also should schedule an appointment every six months for an examination and cleaning. Your dentist will look for signs of different oral health issues (including cracks) during your checkup. With a checkup every six months, they can catch a crack early. This decreases the chances of needing a tooth extraction significantly.

If you suffer from bruxism, make sure you purchase a night guard. While a custom guard is best, an over-the-counter night guard is still very helpful. Also, wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

If you currently are chewing on hard objects, stop immediately. This includes pen caps, ice, and hard candy.

Finally, the use of tobacco products can increase your chances of a cracked tooth, so stop smoking or chewing tobacco.

Contact Us

If you have a visible fracture in your tooth or you suspect you have a cracked tooth, reach out today to set an appointment for an examination. Your dentist will take a look at the tooth to see the extent of the damage. From there, they’ll provide you with treatment options.

Keep in mind, the earlier you treat a crack in your tooth, the better. Early treatment can mean the difference between a minor repair and a tooth extraction.

Cracked Tooth Treatments