Understanding Chipped, Cracked, and Fractured Teeth: A Guide for Patients

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

At the office of MD Family Dental Care, we see many patients dealing with chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth. We provide skilled care for these dental emergencies, whether they're caused by biting into something hard, chewing on a pencil, or sustaining a direct blow to the face or mouth. Remember, untreated decay can also weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to fracture.

The type and extent of damage will determine whether your tooth can get repaired with dental bonding, a filling, or a crown. If a fracture exposes the tooth's vital tissue, a root canal procedure may be necessary. In some cases, a fractured tooth might not be salvageable and would require an extraction.

Chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth can be classified into five categories:

• Craze Lines. These minor cracks are common in adults. They're tiny and shallow and usually don't cause any discomfort or require treatment.
• Fractured Cusp. Breaking part of the chewing surface of a tooth can lead to discomfort, sometimes requiring a full coverage crown. If the fracture affects the tooth's nerve, it may 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 instances, a tooth with a vertical root fracture will require extraction.

If you chip, crack, or fracture your tooth, it's important to contact our office for timely evaluation and care. Our dedicated staff at the office of MD Family Dental Care are ready to help you get back on track with a healthy smile!