BEST Cracked & Chipped Tooth Repair
Near You in Stratford, CT

Cracked or chipped teeth can present themselves in various ways, each representing specific underlying issues. Understanding the five types of cracked teeth is important to be able to recognize and promptly seek dental treatment before they cause severe damage to the tooth, jaw, and rest of the mouth. By being aware of these types of broken teeth, you can take proactive steps to maintain your oral health and prevent further, and more costly complications.

Craze Lines

While most cracked teeth demand immediate attention and dental care to prevent complications like infections or potential tooth extraction, craze lines are a little different. These tiny cracks are only present in the enamel, which is the outermost protective layer of the tooth. The enamel is primarily composed of calcium and phosphorus. Despite their appearance, craze lines are not a dental emergency, as they typically don’t affect the tooth below the enamel line. However, their presence, especially on the front teeth, might make individuals feel self-conscious about their smiles. They can also further deteriorate and become more serious dental issues if not taken care of properly. At Hawley Lane Dental, Dr. Gretzula understands the impact of craze lines and is always willing to discuss strategies to address and treat craze lines.

It’s also important to have Dr. Gretzula examine craze lines to determine what has caused them in order to prevent them from occurring in other teeth. Often, these cracks are caused by underlying conditions such as teeth grinding or obsessive nail-biting. Other potential causes of craze lines can include:

• The pressure exerted by large dental fillings – This can weaken the tooth structure over time.
• Chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy – This can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth.
• Clenching or grinding your teeth – This habit, often done unconsciously, puts excessive pressure on teeth, leading to cracks.

Identifying the underlying cause of craze lines early on not only helps in managing them, but also helps to prevent further damage to your oral health.

Cracked Tooth

Fractured or cracked teeth can become sensitive and are then referred to as cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). These occur when a crack forms within the structure of the tooth. These types of tooth cracks can vary in size and severity, sometimes remaining small and almost unnoticeable, while other times, they can lead to significant splits or chips in the teeth. A cracked tooth of this kind typically affects all the layers of the tooth, such as the dentin, enamel, and pulp, often requiring emergency dental treatment. It’s very important to address a broken tooth promptly, as Dr. Gretzula can provide dental care to prevent potential complications.

Tooth fractures can occur across all age groups; however, they are more commonly seen in children and older adults. Anyone can experience a broken or fractured tooth, and it’s important to know the symptoms and common causes of them. Symptoms of a broken tooth may include pain or sensitivity; however, some fractured teeth may not present any signs at all. Early diagnosis of cracks originating from the chewing surface and extending towards the root can be treated with a root canal and crown. However, if these cracks extend below the gum line, the only viable solution is often tooth extraction.

If the crack is small and doesn’t affect the root, a filling can resolve the issue. However, if the tooth’s structure, root, or nerves are damaged, extraction may be necessary. Here are a few reasons why a cracked tooth might need to be pulled. Contacting our team at Hawley Lane Dental will not only alleviate any discomfort but also increase the likelihood of Dr. Gretzula successfully repairing the cracked tooth. Various factors can contribute to tooth fractures, including:

• Age-related changes
• Habits like teeth grinding or chewing on hard substances
• Calcium deficiencies, especially during pregnancy

Fractured Cusp

Another common type of broken tooth is a fractured cusp, which often refers to a chipped tooth. This often results from severe tooth decay or excessive force used when grinding teeth or clenching subconsciously. When a fractured cusp occurs, a piece of the tooth’s surface breaks off, typically due to weak enamel. This more commonly happens in the back molars, where the forces of chewing are most concentrated. Despite being more common in the back teeth, fractured cusps can affect any tooth.

Fractured cusps typically present symptoms that are similar to mild discomfort rather than acute pain. Those with a fractured cusp may experience symptoms such as:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or food
• Pain when biting or chewing
• The presence of a sharp edge on the affected tooth
• Irritation of the gums surrounding the fractured area

To protect the integrity of the tooth and restore its function, Dr. Gretzula, our experienced local cracked tooth dentist, may recommend cracked tooth repair options such as a dental crown or filling. Which of these two remedy options is best depends on the extent of the tooth fracture and the individual patient’s needs for long-term dental health.

Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures are a common type of cracked tooth that is characterized by cracks that extend through the entire tooth, including the root. Due to their often asymptomatic nature, these fractures can easily go undetected for extended periods of time, potentially leading to infections in the surrounding jaw bone and gum tissue. They frequently occur in:

• Weakened teeth
• Teeth previously treated with root canals
• Teeth that have had restorative procedures like crown placements

Even otherwise healthy teeth are susceptible to such fractures, especially when exposed to excessive stress, such as chewing on hard substances like ice. While undergoing a root canal, if you experience indicators like sudden pain, audible popping sounds, or bleeding within the canal, these can be warning signs of an underlying vertical root fracture. Due to the complexity of these symptoms, consulting with a root canal specialist during the procedure is highly recommended for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the best course of action.”

Diagnosing vertical root fractures can present challenges for dental professionals due to the various symptoms. However, certain key indicators may suggest there is a vertical root fracture, including:

• Mild discomfort while biting
• Cracks under specialized lighting or dye examination
• Developing a boil or ulcer next to the affected tooth, which is a common sign of underlying infection
• Development of a gum pocket near the fracture site, where the gum tissue separates from the tooth

Split Root

Another common type of broken tooth is a vertical root fracture, where a fracture or split occurs in the enamel of the tooth and extends into the root. This type of tooth fracture is particularly concerning as it can lead to significant pain, potential infection, and ultimately tooth loss if left untreated. Vertical root fractures can have various causes, including trauma to the tooth, such as a sudden impact or injury, chewing on hard substances, or as a result of natural wear and tear over time. They can also be caused by dental procedures, such as root canal treatment.

The type of treatment for a split root depends on the extent of the fracture. In certain situations, a watchful waiting approach may be used, monitoring the tooth to see if it heals by itself. However, if the fracture is severe or if the tooth is causing significant amounts of pain or complications, the most viable option may be extraction. It’s important for patients experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling, discomfort, sensitivity, bleeding, or looseness in a tooth to seek prompt dental treatment to address potential vertical root fractures and prevent further dental issues.