Does a Cracked Tooth Need to Be Pulled? All You Need To Know

Every year, countless individuals experience the unease of a cracked tooth, often triggering a rush of questions, primarily: “Does this mean I’ll lose my tooth?” Dental health, a cornerstone of our overall well-being, is susceptible to many challenges, with cracked teeth being one of the most prevalent. Whether due to an unforeseen accident, the joy of biting into a hard candy, or just the natural wear and tear of time, a compromised tooth can be both painful and unsettling. As with many health concerns, early detection and understanding can be the key to optimal outcomes. But before you imagine an unavoidable date with dental pliers, let’s delve deep into the world of cracked teeth, their implications, and the myriad of treatments available. With the right knowledge and timely intervention, that smile can continue to shine bright.

Understanding the Nature of Cracked Teeth

Dental health is a fascinating realm, not least because our teeth, despite their strength, are vulnerable. One of the common challenges many of us face at some point in our lives is a cracked tooth. But what does it mean when we say a tooth is cracked, and how does this differ from other dental damage?

Types of Dental Cracks

Craze Lines: These are tiny cracks that appear on the surface of tooth enamel. Although they might seem alarming initially, craze lines are typically superficial and do not cause pain. They’re like the minor scratches on a cherished piece of furniture – noticeable but not harmful.
Fractured Cusp: When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, it’s often due to a fractured tooth. This kind of crack usually occurs around dental fillings. While it doesn’t harm the pulp (the tooth’s inner part containing nerves and blood vessels), it can cause discomfort.
Split Tooth: This is a direct evolution from chipped teeth (discussed next). When the crack travels from the tooth’s surface to below the gum line, it can result in a segment of the tooth being completely split off. Immediate attention is crucial here, as a split tooth may not be salvageable.
Vertical Root Fracture: Starting at the root and travelling upwards of the natural tooth, this crack is often the most challenging to detect. Symptoms like inflammation might appear, but the crack can remain hidden, making timely intervention imperative.
Cracked Tooth: This involves a crack starting from the chewing surface and extending downwards but not yet reaching the gum line. The earlier this is identified and treated, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Causes of Cracked Teeth

Teeth crack for various reasons. Biting on hard substances like ice or hard candy can cause sudden stress leading to cracks in the tooth structure. Accidents or trauma, like a blow to the mouth, can result in immediate and noticeable damage. Temperature fluctuations, especially when one consumes something very hot, followed by something very cold, can lead to minute fissures. Our teeth undergo natural wear and tear as we age, becoming more susceptible to cracks. Additionally, teeth with large fillings are often weakened and, as a result, more prone to fractures.

In conclusion, understanding the nature and types of dental injury is the first step in addressing the issue and answering whether a cracked tooth needs to be pulled. Depending on its severity and location, each crack requires a unique approach. Thus, being informed helps one stay proactive and ensures that dental health remains uncompromised.

Symptoms Associated with Cracked Teeth

Cracked or broken teeth don’t just affect the aesthetics of a smile; they often come with a range of signs ranging from mild to sharp pain. Recognising these symptoms early on can significantly affect treatment options and outcomes for chipped teeth.

Pain While Chewing: One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of a cracked tooth is pain or discomfort when chewing. The act of biting can cause the cracked segments of the tooth to move, irritating the inner soft tissues or pulp of the tooth. This pain might be sharp and sudden or a lingering ache.
Sensitivity to Temperatures: Another sign is experiencing a sharp jolt of pain or an intense sensitivity when consuming foods and beverages of hot and cold temperatures. The crack may have exposed the dentinal tubules or even the tooth’s pulp, making it sensitive to temperature changes.
Sensitivity to Sweetness: A cracked tooth may also increase sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks. This sensitivity occurs because sugary substances can seep through the cracks and irritate the pulp.
Swelling and Inflammation: In cases where the crack has reached or affected the root, one might observe swelling or inflammation in the gums surrounding the tooth. This can be a sign of an infection and needs immediate attention.
Discolouration: Over time, a cracked tooth might become discoloured due to changes in the inner pulp or debris buildup within the crack. The tooth can take on a greyish or yellowish hue, distinct from its neighbours.
Feeling a Rough Edge: Often, individuals discover a crack by inadvertently running their tongue over their teeth and feeling a jagged or rough edge.

It’s crucial to understand that the presence of these symptoms doesn’t always guarantee a broken tooth. Other dental issues might present similarly. However, if one or more of these symptoms persist, it’s essential to see a dentist. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further complications, preserve the tooth, and ensure continued oral health.

Treatment Options and Their Considerations

Once a tooth crack is accurately diagnosed, the next step involves determining the most suitable treatment method.

The appropriate intervention largely depends on the crack’s type, location, and severity.

Here are the common treatment options for cracked teeth and the factors to consider for each:

Observation

Description: Minor cracks, such as craze lines, often don’t penetrate deeper layers of the tooth. In such cases, they may not require immediate treatment other than monitoring.
Considerations: Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the crack doesn’t progress

Dental Bonding or Composite Resin

Description: Dental bonding can be an effective treatment for relatively minor cracks. The dentist uses a tooth-coloured composite resin to fill and seal the crack.
Considerations: This is a non-invasive procedure with immediate cosmetic improvements. However, the bonding may wear out over time and require replacement or repair.

Dental Crowns

Description: If the crack is significant but hasn’t reached the tooth’s pulp, a dental crown might be the preferred solution. This involves capping the affected tooth with a custom-made crown to restore its shape and function.
Considerations: The process involves reshaping the original tooth to fit the crown. It’s a long-lasting solution, but the underlying tooth remains vulnerable to decay or gum disease if not maintained properly.

Root Canal Treatment

Description: If the tooth cracks and extends into the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy is often necessary. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and sealing the tooth’s inner chamber, and often capping it with a crown.
Considerations: It’s a more involved procedure with a longer recovery time but it can save a tooth from extraction. Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the tooth remains healthy.

Tooth Extraction

Description: In cases where the tooth crack is too severe or extends below the gum line (as in split teeth or vertical root fractures), extraction might be the only viable solution.
Considerations: After extraction, the gap left behind can lead to other dental problems like tooth shifting or jawbone loss. Solutions such as dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures might be considered to replace the missing tooth.

Conclusion

The journey of navigating to prevent cracked teeth and their implications doesn’t have to be a daunting one. With the right knowledge, early intervention, and expert guidance, that radiant smile can remain intact and healthy. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a cracked tooth or any dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out before the severity of the crack increases.

Don’t let dental worries keep you awake at night. For prompt and professional assistance, contact us at (08) 7078 8263. Your dental health deserves the best care, and we’re here to provide it.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth

https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/