Teeth may crack when subject to the stress of chewing hard foods or ice, or by biting on an unexpected hard object. Teeth with or without restorations may exhibit this problem; but teeth restored with typical silver‐alloy restorations are most susceptible.
Symptoms and Signs of Cracked Teeth (some or all of the following):
- Pain when chewing
- Pain on cold air application
- Unsolicited pain (usually leakage of sugar into a tooth crack)
- No dental decay present
- Easy verification of crack when tooth is prepared for restoration
Treatment of Cracked Teeth
SIMPLE CRACK: The majority of cracked teeth‐ about 9 out of every 10 can be treated by placement of a simple crown (cap) on the tooth. When the tooth is prepared for the crown, and a temporary restoration is placed, the pain usually leaves immediately. If this is the case with your tooth, then we will place the final crown without a problem on your next appointment, and the condition should be resolved.
COMPLEX CRACK: Occasionally (about 1 in 10) a crack is pronounced or severe enough to access the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. If pain persists after placement of the temporary crown you may have such a crack into the pulp of the affected tooth. To verify, please call us. The tooth may require endodontic (root canal therapy) before the crown is placed.
