Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth

[Peter Cooper]

A cracked tooth may not seem like an urgent dental problem, especially if there’s no immediate pain. However, ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to severe complications, including infections, tooth loss, and even damage to surrounding teeth. Understanding the risks and knowing when to seek treatment can help prevent long-term issues.

Causes of a Cracked Tooth​

• Biting Hard Objects – Chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or unpopped popcorn kernels can cause cracks.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep, can weaken tooth enamel and lead to cracks.
• Trauma or Injury – A blow to the face, sports injuries, or car accidents can cause fractures in teeth.
• Temperature Changes – Sudden temperature shifts, such as eating something hot and then drinking ice water, can cause teeth to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
• Weakened Teeth – Large fillings, previous root canals, or aging can make teeth more prone to cracking.

Types of Tooth Cracks​

• Craze Lines – Tiny cracks in the enamel that are mostly cosmetic and do not require treatment.
• Fractured Cusp – A piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling.
• Cracked Tooth – A crack that extends from the surface towards the root. If untreated, it can worsen and lead to infection.
• Split Tooth – A deep crack that divides the tooth into two parts, usually requiring extraction.
• Vertical Root Fracture – A crack that starts in the root and moves upward, often unnoticed until infection develops.

Consequences of Ignoring a Cracked Tooth​

Even if a cracked tooth doesn’t hurt initially, bacteria can enter the crack and cause infections. This can lead to abscesses, which may spread to the jawbone and other areas. Over time, the crack can deepen, making it impossible to save the tooth.

Treatment Options​

• Bonding – For minor cracks, dentists use a composite resin to restore the tooth’s structure.
• Crown – A dental crown can protect and strengthen a cracked tooth, preventing further damage.
• Root Canal – If the crack extends into the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove infection and save the tooth.
• Extraction – Severe cracks that cannot be repaired may require tooth removal and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

 

[WernonDonski]

I learned the hard way that ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to serious problems, just like this article explains. When my cracked tooth worsened and became infected, I had no choice but to get it extracted. Thankfully, I found Dental implants Fort Lauderdale, and they did an amazing job replacing my missing tooth with a natural-looking implant. If anyone is facing tooth loss due to cracks or damage, I highly recommend checking them out for a long-term solution!