How Serious Is Cracked Tooth?

Have you recently looked in the mirror and noticed a crack beginning to form in your tooth? Or maybe you’ve had a crack for a while, but you’ve noticed it is starting to get worse. Whatever the case, you may be wondering how serious a cracked tooth actually is.

Below is information about cracked teeth, including how serious having a cracked tooth is, the causes, treatment options, and more.

What Leads to a Cracked Tooth?

There are some common causes of cracked teeth, which include:

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

How Serious Is Cracked Tooth?

The seriousness of a cracked tooth will depend on the severity. A minor crack isn’t extremely serious and may be more cosmetic. A severely cracked tooth can lead to more drastic treatment measures, though, as it can lead to infection. This is why it’s always important to meet with your dentist as soon as you notice a crack.

Some of the treatment options that may be available for your cracked tooth include:

  • Dental bonding: If you have a minor crack or chip, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This procedure involves the use of a tooth-colored resin to repair the cosmetic damage caused by the crack.
  • Dental veneer: If your crack is more comprehensive, your dentist may choose to place a dental veneer. These prosthetics replace a larger portion of the tooth and provide great aesthetics and a little more protection than bonding materials.
  • Dental crown: Dental crowns are for patients who have more severe cracks in their teeth. A dental crown replaces a large portion of the crown of the tooth (sometimes the entire crown). This offers the highest level of protection and durability.
  • Extraction: If the tooth has cracked to the point where it cannot be repaired, your dentist will need to extract the tooth. From there, they will present you with different replacement options.

The Signs of a Cracked Tooth

There are some signs you can look out for to better determine if you have a cracked tooth, including:

  • A visible crack
  • Pain or discomfort while eating
  • Sensitivity
  • Swelling
  • Ongoing pain in the tooth

Is There a Way to Prevent a Cracked Tooth?

There are some simple steps you can take to help you to prevent a crack from forming. These include:

  • Take proper care of your oral health (brushing, flossing, and rinsing)
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup
  • Wear a night guard if you suffer from bruxism
  • Stop the use of tobacco products

With that said, sometimes cracks are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that, regardless of the cause, cracks need to be examined by a dentist.

Reach Out Today

Whether you see a visible crack or you simply notice the symptoms above, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to examine your tooth and determine the best course of action. The sooner any oral health issues (including a cracked tooth) can be addressed, the better. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth