Understanding Chipped, Cracked, and Fractured Teeth

Your teeth are built to last, but they can still get damaged by a variety of factors. Even though dental enamel is the hardest substance in your body—yes, even harder than bone—it's not indestructible. It can be worn down or chipped away over time due to erosion, decay, or trauma.

At Tello Smiles, we see many patients with chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth. These dental emergencies can happen for a variety of reasons, from biting into something hard or getting hit in the mouth to having untreated decay that weakens your tooth structure. No matter how it happens, our skilled team is here to help you get your smile back on track.

The type and extent of damage will determine if your tooth can be repaired and how. With minor chips or tiny cracks called craze lines, the defect is usually so small that it doesn't require urgent care. However, more significant damage may need dental bonding, a filling, or a crown.

Fractures that expose the tooth's vital tissue might require a root canal procedure. In some cases, a fracture can involve the root structure and make the tooth non-restorable, requiring an extraction. Our team will evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action for your unique needs.

Chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth can be classified into five categories:

• Craze Lines. These minor cracks are common in adults. They're tiny and shallow, causing no discomfort and typically requiring no treatment.
• Fractured Cusp. Breaking part of the chewing surface or cusp of a tooth can cause discomfort and may need a full coverage crown. If the fracture affects the nerve, a root canal procedure might be necessary.
• 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 be saved.
• Vertical Root Fracture. This fracture begins in the root of the tooth and extends up toward the chewing surface. In most cases, a tooth with a vertical root fracture will require extraction.

If you chip, crack, or fracture your tooth, don't hesitate to contact our office for timely evaluation and care. Our dedicated staff is here to help you get your smile back in tip-top shape!