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Home › About › Blog › Should I Be Alarmed if My Tooth Is Cracked?

Should I Be Alarmed if My Tooth Is Cracked?
Posted on 3/15/2024 by Weo Admin
A close up rendering of a chipped toothA chipped tooth might be a minor cosmetic concern, but a cracked tooth is a different story. Cracks can extend deep into the layers of your tooth, posing potential threats to your oral health. While not every crack necessitates immediate panic, it is essential to understand the potential consequences and when to seek professional help.

Why Cracked Teeth Warrant Attention


Cracks compromise the protective barrier of your tooth, opening a pathway for bacteria to infiltrate the sensitive inner layers. This can lead to a cascade of issues:

Infection

Bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, and a crack provides them with a VIP entryway. This can trigger inflammation, swelling, and excruciating pain, potentially culminating in an abscess - a pus-filled pocket at the tooth root.

Sensitivity

Cracked teeth become hypersensitive to hot, cold, and sweet substances. The exposed dentin layer beneath the enamel is riddled with microscopic tubules that directly connect to the tooth nerve, amplifying sensations.

Tooth Loss

Left untreated, cracks can worsen, eventually causing the tooth to split or fracture completely. This unfortunate scenario necessitates extraction, potentially impacting your bite and requiring restorative procedures.

Painful Bite

Depending on the location of the crack and severity, biting down can send sharp jolts of pain through your tooth. This discomfort can disrupt your daily routine and make enjoying your favorite foods a challenge.

When To See a Dentist


When addressing cracks in teeth, various treatments are available depending on the severity of the damage. Minor cracks can often be managed through bonding or filling materials, effectively sealing the crack and halting any potential deterioration. Deeper cracks may require a crown to provide reinforcement, guarding the tooth against further breakage. Should the crack extend to the nerve, root canal therapy becomes necessary to eliminate infected pulp and salvage the tooth. However, in instances of severe damage or extensive cracks, extraction may emerge as the sole viable option to mitigate complications and preserve oral health.

Early intervention is key to preserving your dental health and avoiding potential complications. Do not hesitate to consult our dentist if you have concerns about a cracked tooth.
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