Understanding Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Teeth: A Guide for Everyday People

Dental enamel is not only the outermost layer of our teeth but also the hardest substance in the human body. Surprisingly, it's even harder than bone! But despite its incredible strength, dental enamel can still suffer from damage. This can occur due to erosion, decay, or a sudden injury.

While our teeth are protected and resilient, they aren't indestructible. Unfortunately, dental enamel is not a living tissue that can repair itself like our bones do. At MD Family Dental Care, we often see patients with chipped, fractured, or cracked teeth. These issues can arise from seemingly harmless activities such as biting ice, chewing on pencils, or even getting hit in the face or mouth. Additionally, teeth that have suffered from untreated decay are more vulnerable to fractures and cracks.

The severity of dental damage varies significantly, which impacts how it can be treated. With minor chips or small cracks known as craze lines, no urgent intervention is needed. However, with more extensive damage, the dentist may suggest repair options such as dental bonding, fillings, or crowns. If a fracture exposes the tooth's nerve, a root canal procedure might be necessary. In some cases, where the damage affects the tooth's roots, an extraction may be required.

Cracked and fractured teeth can fall under five different categories:

• Craze Lines. These tiny, shallow cracks are common among adults. They're usually painless and require no special care.
• Fractured Cusp. Damage to the tooth's chewing surface or cups of a tooth cusp can cause discomfort. Depending on the extent of the fracture, a full coverage crown might be needed. If the damage exposes the nerve, a root canal procedure may be required.
• Cracked Tooth. With cracks that extend from the chewing surface down to the tooth's roots, nerve damage is likely. If left untreated, such a crack could lead to tooth loss over time.
• Split Tooth. When a crack splits the tooth into two segments, treatment options will depend on the location and extent of the crack.
• Vertical Root Fracture. These fractures begin at the root of the tooth and travel upward toward the chewing surface. Unfortunately, in most cases, these fractures require the tooth to be extracted.

If you ever find yourself dealing with a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth, don't hesitate to contact our office for prompt evaluation and care. Our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your dental health remains in top shape!