A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth is a common dental emergency that can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a severe, painful condition requiring immediate attention. Understanding the different types of tooth fractures and what steps to take is crucial for saving the tooth and preventing infection.

What Causes a Tooth to Break or Crack?

Teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible. Several factors can lead to a fracture:

• Trauma: A direct blow to the mouth, such as from a sports injury, accident, or fall.
• Chewing Hard Objects: Biting down on very hard foods like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candies.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic, excessive pressure from clenching or grinding teeth can weaken enamel over time.
• Large Fillings: Teeth with very large old fillings can become weak and more susceptible to fractures around the filling's edge.
• Sudden Temperature Change: Rapidly going from hot to cold (e.g., sipping cold water after hot soup) can create tiny cracks in the enamel.
• Aging: Most cracks occur in adults over the age of 50.

Types of Cracks and Fractures

Not all cracked teeth are the same. Dentists classify tooth fractures based on their location and severity.

1. Craze Lines

These are tiny, superficial cracks that affect only the outer enamel. They are very common in adult teeth, typically cause no pain, and require no treatment other than close monitoring.

2. Fractured Cusp

This type of break occurs when a piece of the chewing surface (the cusp) of the tooth breaks off, usually around a filling. It rarely damages the pulp (the nerve tissue) and typically causes mild, intermittent pain when chewing. It can often be fixed with a new filling or a dental crown.

3. Vertical Root Fracture

This is a serious fracture that begins in the root and extends upward toward the chewing surface. They often show few symptoms until the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment usually involves tooth extraction.

4. Cracked Tooth

The crack extends from the chewing surface vertically down toward the root. If caught early, before the crack reaches the pulp, the tooth may be saved with a dental crown. However, if the crack reaches the pulp, a root canal is often required before placing the crown.

5. Split Tooth

A cracked tooth that is left untreated can eventually split into two distinct segments. It is highly unlikely to be saved intact. In most cases, a dentist can only save a portion of the tooth, but often the entire tooth must be removed.

 What to Do if You Break or Crack a Tooth

Immediate action is essential to relieve pain and maximize the chances of saving the tooth.

1. Rinse Your Mouth: Immediately rinse with warm water to clean the area.
2. Control Swelling: If your face or cheek is swollen, apply a cold compress (like a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) to the outside of the cheek near the affected area.
3. Manage Pain: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
4. Cover Sharp Edges: If the tooth has a jagged edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it temporarily with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax.
5. Gather Fragments: If a piece of the tooth has broken off, try to find it and place it in a small container of milk or saliva, or wrap it in moist gauze. Bring it with you to the dentist.
6. Call Your Dentist Immediately: Do not delay. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, even if there is no pain. Early treatment is key.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on the type, location, and severity of the fracture:

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A dental crown is the most common treatment for moderate to severe cracks, as it encircles and holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading.

 

Don't wait for the pain to become unbearable. If you suspect you have a cracked or broken tooth, see your dentist immediately to prevent further damage and possible infection.