What Happens When a Tooth Becomes Cracked?

What Happens When a Tooth Becomes Cracked?

There is a wide range of cracked teeth scenarios that should be considered. Before we get into that, understand that cracked teeth can cause pain as well as eating related problems. In addition, cracked teeth can make a tooth hypersensitive to temperature and pressure. As a note of caution, just because the pain goes away if you do have a cracked tooth does not mean that the problem has been solved. As mentioned there are different types of cracked teeth scenarios.

Should Be Addressed Promptly

For example, the most common type of cracked tooth is where the crack extends from the actual chewing surface of the tooth. Eventually, this crack can grow and move vertically down to the root of the tooth. In some cases the crack may continue even below the gum line. A cracked tooth should never be ignored and should be addressed promptly by an experienced dental care provider. In more advanced cases a cracked tooth can eventually become a split tooth. When the tooth becomes split it normally requires extraction.

Vertical Root Fracture

Conversely, a fractured cusp tooth is another type of cracked tooth that should be addressed promptly. A fractured tooth of this kind may require that the dentist remove the cusp and replace it with a dental crown. Finally, something known as a vertical root fracture is experienced when the crack in the tooth actually begins in the tooth root. As the crack progresses it can move all the way to the chewing surface of the tooth. Perhaps most concerning about a vertical root fracture is that it can go unnoticed for a relatively long time. In more advanced cases of this type of cracked tooth, extraction is usually the best option. Contact South Houston Endodontics and Root Canal Specialists today for Houston cracked tooth treatment.