Cracked teeth are a common problem among Australians, but, surprisingly, most individuals overlook this issue until it begins to hurt, impact proper chewing, or make them look clumsy. In particular, individuals associated with direct-impact sports, such as boxing, MMA, and Karate, experience this dental trauma.
A single cracked tooth, if left untreated, can spiral into tooth loss or become sensitive over time. Therefore, addressing this dental issue is crucial to support dental health.
If you are cautious about this dental problem and want to learn about it, then this blog is a must-read. It walks you through every aspect of a fractured tooth: signs, symptoms to watch for, and treatment methods.
What Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth refers to a tooth in the dental profile that has developed a crack, fracture, or split in its structure. This crack can range from small to large in size, including hair-like ones that often go unnoticed to the naked eye, to ones that are clearly visible, such as heavily fractured ones. In severe cases, a tooth may undergo a heavy blow, resulting in a complete tooth split.
A normal fractured tooth may not hurt, but when the damage reaches the inner tooth layers and pulp, it may cause continuous pain and even infection in some cases. In the context of this dental trauma, a counterintuitive scenario arises in which the crack is barely noticeable, yet discomfort is still felt during chewing. It is called a crack tooth syndrome.
Sportspeople are more prone to tooth fractures, particularly front teeth, as they have to endure the shock of direct impact. Similarly, molar teeth show vulnerability towards fracturing and cracking due to their location and the massive grinding load they handle every day.
Causes Of Cracked Teeth:
Fractured teeth are developed when they are subjected to repetitive and long-term impact that brings about gradual wear and tear. Or one-time, excessively hard blow that splits or breaks the tooth into two pieces. Below are several factors that increase the likelihood of fractured teeth:
1- Accident or Sudden Fall:
Sudden traumas, such as accidental falls or blows during gameplay, can increase the risk of a split tooth:
2- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
Continuous clenching and grinding of teeth exerts pressure on teeth. When this process takes place for an extended duration, it can lead to wear and tear of teeth. Some people get into the habit of clenching their teeth in stressful moments, which also contributes to weakening their teeth and exposing them to breakage.
3- Biting Hard Objects:
Teeth have a limited bearing strength; when they are stressed beyond this limit, a split or fracture is likely to happen. Using teeth to open the product packaging and biting hard objects can cause micro-cracks that may expand over time if not taken care of.
4- Age-related Weakening:
As the years go by, the enamel becomes weakened, which exposes the teeth to fracture risks. This risk of a crack in the tooth becomes when two-fold when oral hygiene is not practised consistently. Poor oral hygiene, coupled with the gradual weakening of the enamel, often culminates in hairline cracks in teeth that undermine the teeth’s strength.
Classification of Causes of Tooth Cracks Based on Their Strength
| Rank (Impact Strength) | Cause | Force Profile | Relative Risk of Cracking |
| 1 (Highest) | Accident or Sudden Fall | Acute, high-impact trauma applied instantly | Very High |
| 2 | Biting Hard Objects | Sudden, concentrated force exceeding tooth tolerance | High |
| 3 | Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) | Repetitive, chronic pressure over extended periods | Moderate to High |
| 4 (Lowest) | Age-related Weakening | Gradual enamel degradation and cumulative wear | Moderate |
Types of Cracks In Teeth:
The nature of the tooth fracture depends on how it was developed. The shape and size of the crack are governed by the magnitude of the blow and the type of force exerted on the tooth.
1-Hairline Cracks:
As their name suggests, hairline cracks resemble hairline patterns that form on the tooth enamel. Their presence isn’t accompanied by discomfort; they usually form with age or careless biting habits.
2- Fractured Cusps:
Fractured cusps refer to the formation of a pointed shape of the tooth as a result of cleavage. It usually forms when a piece of tooth breaks away during the chewing of food, and is often present at the adjoining area of two teeth. Over time, it may cause sensitivity when it comes into contact with hot or cold liquids (coffee or cold drinks).
3- Cracked Molar Teeth:
People who don’t participate in high-impact sports often get their molar teeth cracked. This is because molars endure the highest grinding load during the chewing of food. If not taken care of, they may extend to the root, which triggers pain during chewing.
4- Cracked Front teeth:
A fracture in the front teeth is linked with several factors: a sharp blow on the teeth during an MMA boxing fight or scuffle, weakening of enamel, or decay chipping away a specific portion of the tooth.
5- Split tooth:
This is the most severe case of tooth fracture, where a tooth is split( divided) into two pieces. It usually happens when the cracks run through the tooth structure to the root, heavily compromising the structure. In the range of chipped and cracked teeth, this is the most advanced case in terms of damage and pain. That is why an immediate expert intervention is needed to handle the situation.
Signs & Symptoms Of Crack In Tooth:
A crack in a tooth can exhibit several symptoms, with some of them being noticeable and some being subtle. However, common symptoms to watch for include the following.
1- Sharp pain:
The person with a chipped tooth feels intermittent pain, particularly during chewing food. The discomfort becomes more perceptible when the biting pressure is released.
2- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods:
Sometimes, the fracture exposes the inner layers of the tooth, which makes it extremely delicate. Even a slight physical touch or hot/cold food or liquids coming in contact with the tooth can trigger sensitivity.
3- Swelling around the gums:
When the impact of the blow to the chipped tooth reaches the root, inflammation occurs in the gum line. This swelling can bring about irritation in the surrounding tooth areas.
4- Feeling of shifting teeth:
Loosening of the tooth is a common aftermath of cracking. The loose teeth may shift unevenly when the individual chews the food— signaling the tooth has undergone a rupture.
Why don’t cracks in teeth hurt initially?
A fair number of people report that they don’t feel any discomfort, despite a crack in a tooth. In fact, this is the very reason they don’t proceed with proper treatment. The reason behind this desensitization is that all cracks aren’t the same. Tiny or hairlike cracks remain in the enamel, where there are no sensory nerves. So, there is almost no discomfort in the first place. Pain creeps in when the crack extends into the pulp, or when biting causes the tooth to budge.
Diagnosis of a Crack in a Tooth:
Dentists in Australia deploy a combination of dental skills and diagnostic equipment to pinpoint cracks in teeth. The technique may vary depending on the size and nature of the crack.
1- Visual Examination:
The dentist may use a dental glass along with a torchlight to identify hair-like lines or structural irregularities in the tooth structure. This technique finds its application in cases where the naked eye fails to catch the presence of the rupture.
2- Dental Explorer:
When visual examination doesn’t suffice in the diagnosis, the dentist steps up to the use of a dental explorer. It is a finely-engineered, pointed instrument that glides along the tooth surface. When it encounters a crack or structural irregularity, the tip of the explorer feels stuck or caught.
3- Bite Test:
In this type of diagnosis, the patient is asked to bite down on a small tool or material. When the biting force is released, a sharp twinge is felt in an inkling of a fracture in the tooth.
4- X-rays:
Dentists utilize X-rays to reveal secondary signs of a crack tooth syndrome, in particular, such as inflammation, bone loss, or infection.
5- 3D Imaging (CBCT):
A Cone Beam CT scan is an advanced diagnostic technique, and provides a detailed, 3-dimensional view of the tooth and surrounding bone.
Importance Of Early Detection of Cracks in Teeth
Cracks have the capability of progressing silently. When they are detected in early stages, it is easy to manage them and prevent them from extending up to the root or pulp.
Treatment Options For A Cracked Tooth
When it comes to treating cracked tooth syndrome, there are several aspects that need attention. Location of the tooth, size of the tooth, and depth of the crack—all these factors govern the type of treatment that is suitable for the condition. Common treatments for cracked teeth include the following:
- Dental Bonding or Fillings:
When the crack is of a minor size, dental-colored-bonding material is sufficient to cover the damaged area. This treatment serves to restore the appearance and functionality of the ruptured tooth.
- Dental Crowns:
If the tooth is structurally compromised, dental crowns are the recommended option. They cover the cracked tooth, shield it from further damage, and provide support to enable its proper functioning. Additionally, a good-quality dental crown can alleviate discomfort during normal chewing and eating processes.
- Root Canal Therapy:
Root canal therapy is commonly recommended when the crack extends into the pulp— the sensitive part where nerves are present. Deployment of this procedure is given priority when it is intended to eliminate the infection and inflammation in the pulp ( cracked tooth syndrome).
- Tooth Extraction:
It is considered the last resort in the treatment options recommended to fix cracked teeth. Dentists turn to tooth extraction when saving the tooth is not viable, either because it has deformed to look clumsy or its functionality cannot be restored.
Note: The cost of cracked tooth treatment is governed by several factors, including the position of the tooth, the extent of rupture, and the location of the facility in Australia. Ezy Dental is a patient-friendly dental services provider in Melbourne, equipped with the latest equipment and a team of experienced dentists.
When to See A Dentist?
A lightly cracked tooth doesn’t cause discomfort initially. But as time passes, the crack begins to advance at a gradual pace. Once it reaches a certain level, the patient may experience sharp pain, sensitivity, or a feeling of the tooth budging from its original position. All these are red flags that call for prompt, immediate expert assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to fix a cracked tooth?
Ans: A cracked tooth can only be permanently fixed by a dentist, who may use bonding, a crown, or a root canal, depending on how deep the crack is. Minor surface cracks need simple restoration, while severe fractures may require more advanced treatment. See a dentist promptly to prevent the crack from spreading and becoming harder to repair.
Q2: Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled?
Ans: Not always—many cracked teeth can be saved with a crown, bonding, or a root canal if the crack hasn’t reached the root. Extraction is only needed when the tooth is split or the fracture runs deep below the gum line. A dentist can determine the best option after examining the severity and location of the crack.
Q3:- How much to fix a cracked tooth?
Ans: The cost of fixing a cracked tooth depends on how severe the crack is and what treatment is required. Minor cracks treated with bonding or a simple filling are usually the most affordable. More serious fractures that need a crown or root canal increase the cost, and extraction plus replacement (like an implant) is the most expensive option. A dentist can give an accurate estimate after examining the tooth and identifying the exact type of crack.
Q4: How does a dentist fix a cracked tooth?
Ans: A dentist fixes a cracked tooth by first assessing how deep and extensive the crack is, often using X-rays or bite tests. Minor cracks may be repaired with bonding or a filling, while moderate fractures typically require a custom crown to protect the tooth. If the crack reaches the pulp, a root canal may be needed, and in cases where the tooth is split or the fracture extends below the gum line, extraction becomes the only option.
Q5: How to repair a cracked tooth at home?
Ans: You can’t permanently repair a cracked tooth at home, but you can manage the discomfort until you see a dentist. Rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on the affected side, and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Temporary dental wax can cover sharp edges, but only a dentist can fix the crack and stop it from worsening.