Can A Cracked Tooth Heal?
No, cracked teeth do not have the ability to heal naturally. Unlike bones, teeth lack the blood flow needed for self-repair. Therefore, your teeth lack the ability to regenerate like your skin and bones. It is important to quickly seek dental care if you suspect a cracked tooth to prevent further damage and to discuss treatment options.
Even a small crack in your tooth can allow dangerous bacteria to enter, regardless of whether you notice the crack or not. This infiltration can result in an infection, causing persistent pain that requires attention from a dental professional to properly address.
If you are noticing any indications of a cracked tooth, it is crucial to quickly consult with an endodontist for professional care.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
There are variety of reasons why a tooth may become cracked. Understanding these causes can aid in early detection and treatment. Here are some factors that lead to cracked teeth:
- Biting something hard: Chewing on tough substances like ice or popcorn kernels may lead to the development of a tooth fracture.
- Tooth grinding: Continuous grinding and clenching of teeth, known as bruxism, can lead to cracks over time.
- Fillings: Damaged fillings can lead to teeth becoming cracked.
- Dental trauma: Any injuries to the mouth, such as accidents or impacts, can result in cracked teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor care of your teeth can result in weakened enamel, increasing the risk of tooth damage.
- Age: As you age, the likelihood of tooth cracks increases due to the natural wearing down of teeth. Individuals aged 50 and above are at a higher risk of experiencing cracked teeth compared to younger individuals.
Types of Cracked Teeth
When a crack is found in your tooth by your dentist, they will provide information about the type of crack, which will help in deciding the most appropriate treatment plan, if needed.
Craze Lines (hairline cracks)
Small cracks can sometimes form on the surface of the teeth, specifically in the enamel. Although the cracks can be seen, they are usually harmless, painless, and do not require any treatment.
Fractured Cusp
This type of cracks near fillings are common and usually do not affect the tooth’s health or root, resulting in minimal pain. Repair can often be done simply by re-filling the tooth.
Large Cracks
A tooth can have a sizeable crack that only affects a small area, but is still significant in size. The crack may or may not reach the gum line, which heavily influences the available treatment choices.
Split Tooth
When a entire tooth is completely divided into two parts, this is what is known as tooth splitting. Sometimes, the entire tooth can’t be saved, but sometimes dentists can at least save half of it.
Vertical root fracture
A crack starting beneath the gum line and going towards the tooth’s surface is identified as a subgingival crack. Symptoms might not appear unless the crack results in an infection in the tooth’s pulp.
Is it okay to leave cracked tooth?
No, ignoring a cracked tooth is not recommended. Even if you’re not in pain now, it can cause severe complications in the future, including:
- Infection: A crack in your tooth can lead to a bacterial infection in the inner pulp, resulting in serious pain.
- Increased pain: Over time, the crack might worsen, leading to increased pain and vulnerability.
- Tooth loss: Sometimes, a cracked tooth can be so serious that it must be removed.
It is important to quickly detect and address a cracked tooth to maintain tooth health and overall oral well-being. It is important to seek advice from a dentist to assess the severity of the crack, as they can recommend the best course of action.
Cracked tooth treatment will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Some of the typical options for treating a cracked tooth include:
- Dental bonding: A professional fills in gaps using white resin that matches the color of the teeth.
- Dental contouring: The dental provider will carefully adjust any rough spots, excessive contact areas, and finish with a polish to improve your tooth’s appearance.
- Dental crown: The cracked tooth is covered by a porcelain or ceramic cap, which is placed by a medical professional.
- Dental veneers: Customized shells are designed to cover the front of individual teeth, with options of porcelain or plastic materials available for selection.
- Root canal: A cracked tooth that has caused an infection in the pulp may need a root canal to remove the infection.
- Tooth extraction: In cases where a crack in the tooth causes extensive damage to the root and nerves, the dentist might suggest extraction of the tooth. Afterwards, they have the option to replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant.
Don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist if you suspect you have a cracked tooth.
How long will it take to repair a cracked tooth?
The time it takes to fix a damaged tooth can vary from days to weeks, depending on the type of treatment needed. Your dentist or endodontist will explain the repair procedure thoroughly so you know what to expect. For example:
- Crowns: It is possible for your dentist to place a crown in a single day, however, more commonly, this procedure requires several appointments.
- Extractions: It may take several months to fully complete the process of replacing a tooth with a dental implant.
- Veneers: On average, it takes about three to four weeks for a dentist to make a veneer for a tooth.