The symptoms and severity of a cracked tooth can vary and even come and go. If you are experiencing tooth pain after an injury to the mouth or biting down on hard food, you might have a cracked tooth. There are different types of cracked teeth with various treatment options available. By working with a skilled dental provider, like endodontist Dr. James A. Penney, you can seek care and hopefully save your natural tooth!
Dr. Penney and his team of experts have been providing high-quality dental care in Little Rock for 20 years. You can turn to this team at any time–thanks to their 24/7 answering service–if you’re experiencing tooth pain. Don’t wait, call 501-227-7668 to see how they can help you take care of your teeth!
Because there are different types of tooth cracks, the symptoms will vary depending on how your tooth has been impacted. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, here are the signs you may have a cracked tooth.
Craze Lines
These cracks are usually superficial and only affect the outer enamel of the tooth.
Symptoms:
- Usually asymptomatic and don’t hurt
Treatment:
- Usually of no concern, so no treatment is needed
Fractured Cusp
If the cusp (points on top of a tooth’s surface) is weak, it may fracture and break off or be removed by your dental provider. Usually, the pulp isn’t damaged when a cusp fracture occurs.
Symptoms:
- Minor or no tooth pain
Treatment:
- The tooth is restored with a full crown
Treatable Cracked Tooth
A treatable crack will extend from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrate toward the root. The crack may extend below the gum line and into the root. Damage to the pulp is common in these cases.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Temperature sensitivity
- Toothache
- Swelling
Treatment:
- Treated with a root canal
Split Tooth
If a cracked tooth is left untreated, it can result in a split tooth. There is usually a crack with distinct segments.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Temperature sensitivity
- Toothache
- Swelling
Treatment:
- The tooth cannot remain intact
- The position and extent of the split will determine how much of the tooth can be saved
Vertical Root Fracture
This type of fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. A vertical root fracture shows minimal symptoms and is hard to notice.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Temperature sensitivity
- Toothache
- Swelling
Treatment:
- Endodontic surgery to save portions of the tooth, if possible
- If surgery is unsuccessful, tooth extraction is needed
Need Care for a Cracked Tooth?
If you’re concerned that you may have a cracked tooth, turn to an experienced endodontist–they’re dental providers who specialize in saving teeth! Whether you need a crown or a root canal or endodontic surgery, Dr. Penney and his highly-qualified team can help alleviate your tooth pain and hopefully save any impacted teeth. You can expect to receive the highest standard of care in a friendly and comfortable environment.
If you’re in pain, don’t wait to see a provider. Call 501-227-ROOT (7668) to ask questions or schedule an appointment!
