Understanding Chipped, Cracked, and Fractured Teeth

Dental enamel is the outermost layer of our teeth, and it's tough! In fact, dental enamel is harder than bone. But even though it's strong, it can still get damaged by erosion, decay, or a traumatic injury. Unlike bones, dental enamel doesn't have the ability to repair itself when it gets damaged.

At Tello Smiles, we see many patients with chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth. These issues can arise from biting into something hard like ice or chewing on a pencil, sustaining a direct blow to the face or mouth, or even from decay that weakens the tooth structure around a dental restoration. It's important to remember that untreated decay can make your teeth more susceptible to fracture.

The type and extent of damage to your tooth will determine whether it can be repaired and how it can get repaired. Minor chips or tiny cracks, called craze lines, are common in adults and typically don't require any urgent care. However, more significant damage may mean you need dental bonding, a filling, or even a crown to repair your tooth. If the fracture exposes the tooth's vital tissue, a root canal procedure might be needed. In some cases, when the fracture involves the root structure, the tooth may not be salvageable and will require extraction.

Different Types of Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can fall into five categories:

• Craze Lines. These minor cracks are common in adults. They're tiny and shallow, causing no discomfort and typically requiring 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 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 at Tello Smiles is here to help you with all of your dental needs!