Understanding Chipped, Cracked, and Fractured Teeth

Tooth enamel may be the hardest substance found in the human body, but that doesn't mean it can't get damaged. From biting into hard foods to direct trauma, there are many ways your teeth can become chipped, cracked, or fractured. Let's discuss what causes these dental emergencies and how our dedicated staff at the office of Tello Smiles can help you restore and protect your smile.

What Causes Chipped, Cracked, and Fractured Teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, tooth enamel is not an invincible shield protecting your teeth from harm. While it is incredibly strong, dental enamel can still get damaged by erosion, decay, or a traumatic injury. Unfortunately, unlike your bones, dental enamel is not a living tissue that can repair itself and heal.

When You Should Visit Us for Damaged Teeth

At the office of Tello Smiles, we treat many dental emergencies, including chipped, fractured, and cracked teeth. We provide the skilled care needed whether you chip or fracture a tooth by biting into something hard, like a piece of ice, or if your tooth structure around a sizeable dental restoration breaks.

Dental Repair Options Based on Damage Severity

Whether a damaged tooth is reparable and how it can get repaired depends on the damage's type and extent. With minor chips or tiny cracks, called craze lines, the defect is minor and doesn't require urgent or extensive care. However, more significant damage will determine if your tooth can get repaired with dental bonding, a filling, or a crown. With fractures that expose the tooth's vital tissue, a root canal procedure may be required. Fractures that involve the root structure can make the tooth nonrestorable—requiring an extraction.

Types of Cracked Teeth and What They Mean

• Craze Lines. While these minor cracks are prevalent in adults, they cause zero discomfort and typically require no care.
• Fractured Cusp. Breaking part of the chewing surface or cups of a tooth cusp can cause discomfort. Sometimes, a full coverage crown is required. If the fracture affects the tooth's nerve, it will need a root canal procedure.
• Cracked Tooth. With a crack that extends down from the chewing surface of your tooth toward the root, damage to the nerve is common. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen and result in losing your tooth.
• Split Tooth. In a split tooth, the crack divides the tooth into two segments. The position and extent of the crack will determine whether any portion of the tooth can get saved.
• Vertical Root Fracture. This fracture begins in the root of the tooth and extends up toward the chewing surface of the tooth. In most instances, a tooth with a vertical root fracture will require extraction.

How to Prevent Tooth Damage: Tips from Our Dentists

While dental damage can happen in an instant, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Some tips include:

• Avoid biting into hard foods like ice or candies.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth from trauma.
• Practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to help prevent tooth decay.

If you chip, crack, or fracture your tooth, don't hesitate to contact us for timely evaluation and care. Our skilled team is always ready to provide compassionate care that helps restore the health and beauty of your smile.