Your strong teeth can chew and bite without issue most of the time. But under extreme amounts of pressure, the durable tooth might chip, crack, or fracture. Tooth breakage can disrupt the look of your smile, but it also leaves the tooth vulnerable to infections and further harm.
A crack can deepen without urgent treatment from a dentist as well. So do not delay reaching out to your dentist if you suffer this type of injury.
But a tooth fracture does not always have clear symptoms, so it is important to recognize what this injury looks like prior to this dental emergency. Discover signs that point to a broken tooth as well as potential treatments from your dentist that can help you fix this serious dental injury by reading on.
Is My Tooth Fractured? Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth
You might imagine that a tooth fracture comes with a visible crack or chip on the tooth’s surface. In some cases, this is true. You may even notice dark discoloration near the injury on the tooth as well.
However, you can’t always see visible symptoms like this in a fractured tooth. The primary symptom of this dental injury is pain. You may experience severe throbbing pain that may intensify when you apply pressure by biting down on an item.
This pain might also seem intermittent, seeming to fade when you stop biting down. This type of pain is known as tooth sensitivity. It occurs because the underlying nerve within the tooth becomes exposed when the enamel sustains damage. Pain of any kind is abnormal and warrants urgent attention from your dentist.
You could also notice swelling within the mouth or around the jaw because of the serious injury. But not all dental fractures present with these evident symptoms. So if you suspect you broke a tooth, you should contact your dentist right away for an evaluation.
Treatment Options for Dental Fractures
Treatment for a fractured tooth will depend on the severity of the injury. In the case of fractures on the cusp of the tooth, the part above the gumline, a dentist may use a dental crown. This ceramic cap will seal over the tooth’s surface with dental cement for long-lasting protection for the injury and restoration of the tooth’s function and structure.
However, if the tooth breakage extends toward the root of the tooth below the gumline, the dentist may need to extract the tooth. Otherwise, it will remain vulnerable to infections and other dental damage that can extend to the rest of your smile. In some cases, the dentist may only need to remove the damaged portion of the tooth.
The dentist will use x-ray imaging to view the extent of damage to the tooth. Then they can determine the best treatment to restore your oral health in the wake of this dental injury. Discuss your dental goals with your dentist to ensure you remain proud of your smile as you treat this tooth breakage.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth
That small chip or crack in your tooth might seem harmless, but it could lead to serious problems if left untreated. What starts as a tiny fracture can grow larger over time, eventually reaching the soft center of your tooth where nerves live. Once bacteria get inside through these cracks, they can cause painful infections that may require root canals or even tooth removal.
Even thin, hairline cracks are dangerous because they let cavity-causing germs sneak deeper into the tooth. Every time you chew with a cracked tooth, the pressure makes the damage worse. What begins as slight sensitivity to hot or cold can turn into constant, throbbing pain as the nerve becomes damaged. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding bigger dental procedures and higher costs later.
What Causes Teeth to Crack?
Teeth can break in many ways. Sudden injuries from sports or falls often cause obvious cracks, but many fractures happen slowly over time. Grinding your teeth at night (even if you don’t realize you’re doing it) creates tiny cracks that weaken teeth.
Large fillings make teeth more likely to fracture because there’s less natural tooth structure remaining. Biting down on hard foods like ice cubes, nuts, or hard candy can crack even strong, healthy teeth.
Going from very hot foods to cold drinks (like coffee followed by ice water) stresses teeth through rapid temperature changes. As we get older, our tooth enamel naturally wears down, making cracks more likely. Your dentist can help identify your personal risk factors and suggest protection like a nightguard or changes to your diet.
Modern Fixes for Broken Teeth
Dentists now have better ways to treat cracked teeth than ever before. If a crack reaches the root but hasn’t split the tooth completely, a root canal followed by special procedures might save it. Some cracks can be fixed with tooth-colored filling material without needing a full crown. When cracks go below the gumline but the root is still good, minor gum surgery might allow for a proper repair.
If a tooth can’t be saved, dentists can often place an implant immediately to maintain your jawbone and avoid extra procedures. New laser tools let dentists remove damaged parts of teeth with incredible precision while keeping healthy areas untouched. Your dentist will explain all your treatment choices based on exactly how your tooth is broken.
Don’t Wait – Get Help Now!
That strange pain or sensitivity you’re feeling could be a warning sign of a hidden crack getting worse. Dr. Drew Shulman uses special cameras and technology to find cracks that regular exams might miss. We’ll recommend the simplest, most effective treatment to save your natural tooth whenever possible.
If you think you might have a cracked tooth, call us right away at (215) 372-1142 or book an urgent visit online. The sooner we see you, the better chance we have to stop the damage before it becomes a bigger problem.