A crack in one of your teeth is usually a motivator to make an emergency dental appointment, and for good reason! While some cracks are not serious and just need an aesthetic fix, others can indicate deeper problems.
Cracks may be obvious, especially on front teeth, but sometimes you’ll feel it before you see it. If you’re suddenly experiencing extra sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when biting or chewing, or swelling of the gums, that could be a sign of a break in one of your teeth. Even a thin line on your enamel that wasn’t there before and doesn’t come off after regular brushing could indicate a fracture. If left untreated, it provides a entry for bacteria and cause an abscess.
Before we address whether cracks in teeth can be fixed, let’s look at the causes and risk factors.
What Causes Teeth to Break?
Why are my teeth cracking all of a sudden? Getting hit in the mouth isn’t the only way to crack a tooth. If you’re in the habit of using your teeth to open packaging, you could be putting enough stress on them to cause a fracture in the enamel. Use a more appropriate tool instead, like a pair of scissors – the very slight inconvenience is well worth protecting your smile.
Your teeth are more fragile than you might think. Sometimes, unaddressed bruxism (teeth grinding) or eating a particularly hard food can be enough to cause damage, particularly for those over 50. As we age, our teeth wear down and become more vulnerable to breakage.
The last common cause of a cracked tooth is structural weakness. This can be caused by gum disease, decay, or a previous failed dental treatment that affected the tooth’s structural integrity. For example a root canal weakens the tooth enough for it to break. That why a rootcanaled tooth needs a crown. If you suspect even a hairline fracture, consult your dentist – this isn’t something you can diagnose at home.
Healing Your Smile: Tooth Repair Treatments
We’re often asked: “Do cracked teeth heal?” Unfortunately, teeth aren’t like skin; they aren’t able to repair damage naturally. But can cracks in teeth be fixed? Good news: the answer is yes. The method will vary according to the type and location of the cracks.
If you have small or hairline cracks, sometimes called “craze lines,” then some dental bonding may be all you need. Your dentist will fill in the cracks with tooth-colored composite resin, sealing the break and supporting the tooth so it doesn’t continue to fracture. They can also smooth out and polish any rough edges. Dental veneers can also be used to fix the break and provide extra structure, especially for front teeth used for biting.
For moderate to severe breakage, a more intensive treatment approach is required. Your dentist might fabricate a crown to restore the tooth. If the crack has exposed the internal pulp of the tooth or extends below the gumline, you might need a root canal treatment or to remove the tooth completely and replace it with a dental implant.
Protect Your Smile at Advanced Dental Arts NYC
If you suspect you may have a crack in one of your teeth, don’t delay! The sooner your dentist can assess the situation, the sooner you can take action to prevent further damage. The consequences of not repairing the crack are simply not worth it.
Getting the right dental care will repair the damage and put you on the road to excellent oral health. Book an appointment with our experienced, compassionate team and take action to protect your teeth and keep you smiling pain-free.
