Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth exhibit many symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, leaving the pulp within the tooth irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and the tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.
Types of Cracks
Craze lines
Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These superficial cracks are most common in adults and are usually of no concern.
Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates toward the root. In some cases the crack may extend below the gum line, and it is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace and root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will continue to degenerate, resulting in loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth and can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by Dr. Sahni and restoration by your general dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends toward the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, it shows minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.