- What Are Cracked Teeth?
- What Are the Benefits of Treating Cracked Teeth?
- Do Cracked Teeth Always Need to be Treated?
- How Can I Tell if My Tooth is Cracked?
- How Are Cracked Teeth Treated?
- What Can I Expect when Recovering from Cracked Teeth?
- Memphis Endodontics Reviews
- What Are the Causes of Cracked Teeth?
- Can Cracked Teeth Heal on Their Own?
- What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Teeth?
- What Are the Risk Factors for Cracked Teeth?
- Who Can Have Their Cracked Teeth Treated?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Insurance Cover Treatment For Cracked Teeth?
- Correct Cracked Teeth
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
What Are Cracked Teeth?
Caused by wearing down over time or a physical trauma, a cracked tooth can be painful and lead to difficulty speaking or eating. There are many different types of cracks that can occur on the tooth, including a craze line, a fractured cusp, a vertical root fracture, and a split tooth. The type of crack is based on its depth and location, which also helps to identify the best way to treat the tooth. It is important to get help at Memphis Endodontics as early as possible so your tooth has a higher chance of being saved. A cracked tooth cannot be healed, but our team, Drs. Harris, Wells, Scott, Cain, Dagen, and McCreary will try to fix it so your tooth is saved and your pain can be relieved. Contact one of our locations in or around Memphis, TN to learn more.
What Are the Benefits of Treating Cracked Teeth?
Treating cracked teeth promptly can prevent further damage and preserve your oral health in the following ways:
- Stop the crack from spreading and causing more severe issues
- Maintain the tooth and prevent the need for extraction
- Alleviate discomfort and sensitivity associated with the damage
- Restore the tooth's function and appearance, improving overall dental health and confidence
Do Cracked Teeth Always Need to be Treated?
Yes, cracked teeth should always be evaluated and treated by a professional. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to further damage, including infection, increased pain, and even tooth loss. Even small cracks can worsen over time, especially with regular chewing or biting. Additionally, our team can prevent complications and protect your overall oral health in the long run. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it’s important to seek care as soon as possible to address the issue and preserve your smile.
How Can I Tell if My Tooth is Cracked?
A cracked tooth is not always easy to spot. In many cases, there is no visible damage, and symptoms can come and go, which makes it easy to dismiss at first. However, there are certain patterns and sensations that often point to a crack, especially when they seem inconsistent or difficult to explain. Generally speaking, signs that may indicate a cracked tooth include:
- Pain when biting
- Release pain sensation
- Temperature sensitivity
- Intermittent discomfort
- Swelling or irritation
- Localized tenderness
Because cracks can be very small or hidden below the surface, they are not always visible during a routine exam. Specialized testing and imaging are often needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine how deep the crack extends. If something feels off, even if the symptoms are mild or inconsistent, it is worth having it evaluated. Our team can assess what you are experiencing, identify whether a crack is present, and recommend the most appropriate way to protect the tooth before the issue progresses.
How Are Cracked Teeth Treated?
The best treatment method for your cracked tooth will depend on the position and extent of the crack. Following a thorough examination, we will create a treatment plan. The goal is to either avoid an infection or completely remove an existing infection. To treat a fractured tooth, a tooth-colored filling or crown can fix the crack and prevent it from expanding. If the crack has reached the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal treatment might be needed. For a split tooth or vertical root fracture, endodontic surgery might be recommended. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be properly treated to stop the infection from reaching your gums and other teeth; however, we do all we can to save the tooth.
What Can I Expect when Recovering from Cracked Teeth?
Your recovery will vary based on the extent of the damage and whether we treat it with a tooth-colored filling or crown, so we will go over specific instructions to help you heal. You should not eat anything that might reopen or expand the crack, like ice or hard candies. If the tooth crack was created by teeth grinding (bruxism) while you slept, we may recommend a night guard. It is important that you follow a regular oral hygiene routine at home to reduce the chance of infection. In your yearly dental exam, we will continuously watch the cracked tooth and your total oral health so conditions are addressed early.
Memphis Endodontics Reviews
He was a whole vibe!!❤️❤️ I didn't feel no pain. And there dentist staff was nice. Love it there, 😀
Arrived in full disaster mode - 6 days of constant pain. Left with everything remedied. Overall experience was perfect. Didn’t have to wait, staff were both attentive and pleasant, procedure done competently and efficiently, everything explained before/during/after…not looking forward to more problems with my teeth but if I have them, this is where I will go.
The staff is warm and considerate. Dr Wells is not only a great endodontist, but an amazing human being. All of these people feel like a family working together and I can’t stress the amount of caring that goes into everything they all do. ♥️
The staff was prompt and professional. I felt very comfortable as I was guided through my procedure. The doctor was great and the procedure went as described during consultation. It's my 2nd visit. I hope to not return but if I have the need, I'll use this practice!
If you are looking for an Endodontist, I highly recommend Memphis Endodontics specifically the office in Collierville, TN. I had a great experience there with Dr. Scott, Michelle, and Raven. They a very friendly, fast, and caring! They will take care of you!
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What Are the Causes of Cracked Teeth?
Cracked teeth can be caused by a variety of factors that weaken the tooth structure over time or result in sudden trauma. Common causes include biting down on hard foods like ice or nuts, teeth grinding (bruxism), large fillings that compromise tooth integrity, and sudden temperature changes in the mouth — such as eating something hot and immediately drinking something cold. Trauma from accidents, sports injuries, or even age-related wear can also contribute to cracks. Recognizing these risk factors early can help prevent further damage and preserve your natural tooth.
Can Cracked Teeth Heal on Their Own?
No, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth do not have the ability to regenerate and repair themselves once they have been fractured. Without treatment, the crack can worsen, potentially leading to infection, more severe pain, and even tooth loss. Seeking prompt dental care from a professional is the only way to manage a cracked tooth and prevent further complications.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Teeth?
Symptoms of a cracked tooth or split tooth can vary depending on the severity and location of the crack. Common signs include:
- Pain when chewing or biting, especially when releasing the bite
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Intermittent or inconsistent pain that comes and goes
- Swelling around the affected tooth or gums
- Visible cracks or lines on the surface of the tooth
- Discomfort without an obvious cavity or other dental issue
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to act quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications, such as infection or tooth loss.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cracked Teeth?
Our team at Memphis Endodontics understands that several factors can increase the risk of cracked teeth. Teeth weakened by large fillings, heavy bite pressure, or habits like grinding and chewing hard objects are more likely to fracture. Age, past dental trauma, and sudden temperature changes can also make teeth more vulnerable. During your evaluation, our team carefully considers these risk factors to recommend the most effective treatment and help protect your smile. Maintaining regular dental checkups can also help identify early signs of cracks before they worsen.
Who Can Have Their Cracked Teeth Treated?
Anyone who is experiencing discomfort, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or constant pain in their tooth may need to have their cracked tooth treated. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see a dentist for an evaluation and possible treatment. Bradley Harris will be able to determine if you have a cracked tooth through a physical exam and digital x-rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately, cracked teeth do not heal on their own. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to further complications, such as infection or tooth loss. It's crucial to seek dental care as soon as you suspect a crack.
How can I prevent cracked teeth?
To prevent cracked teeth, practice good oral hygiene, avoid biting down on hard objects (like ice or hard candies), and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth. Regular dental check-ups can also help identify potential issues before they become more serious.
What should I do immediately after a cracked tooth?
Immediately after cracking a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling, take over-the-counter pain relief, and avoid chewing on that side. If a piece breaks off, try to find it and store it in milk or saline, and use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges to protect your tongue and cheek. Contact our staff as soon as possible for an appointment.
Can cracked teeth be caused by teeth grinding?
Yes, teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to cracks and fractures over time.
What is a craze line?
A craze line is a superficial, small crack in the enamel that typically doesn’t cause pain but may be noticeable and cosmetic in appearance.
Does Insurance Cover Treatment For Cracked Teeth?
Insurance coverage for treating cracked teeth can vary depending on your plan and the type of treatment required. Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for necessary restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. However, more complex treatments like endodontic surgery or tooth extraction may have different levels of coverage. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and out-of-pocket expenses. Our team at Memphis Endodontics can also assist with insurance inquiries and provide cost estimates for your treatment plan.
Correct Cracked Teeth
Don't let a cracked tooth compromise your smile and oral health. At Memphis Endodontics, we're dedicated to providing treatment to address cracked teeth and restore your dental comfort. Drs. Harris, Wells, Scott, Cain, Dagen, and McCreary will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to prevent further issues and preserve your tooth. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at any of our locations in Kirby, Collierville, or Memphis, TN and take the first step toward a healthier, more resilient smile.