A tooth can crack in more ways than most people realise — and understanding how it happened helps identify the right treatment. Not all cracks are the same; some are minor and others threaten the survival of the tooth.
Common Causes
Chewing on hard objects — ice, hard sweets, popcorn kernels, or unopened packaging — can generate enough force to crack a tooth, especially one with a large filling or previous root canal treatment that has weakened the remaining structure.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a major contributor to cracked teeth. The sustained, high forces generated during nocturnal clenching and grinding progressively stress the tooth structure over time, eventually causing a crack to form. Teeth that have been heavily restored with large fillings are especially vulnerable.
Thermal stress — rapid temperature changes in the mouth — can cause microscopic flexing of the tooth enamel that, repeated over years, creates craze lines. Drinking very hot tea then immediately eating ice cold food is an example.
Age is a significant factor. Most cracked teeth occur in patients over 50. As enamel becomes more brittle with age, the risk increases substantially.
Teeth that have had root canal treatment are more brittle than vital teeth and more susceptible to cracks — which is why a crown is almost always recommended after root canal on a back tooth.
Types of Cracks
Craze lines are fine cracks in the enamel only — usually no treatment needed. A fractured cusp is a crack that goes from the surface toward the root and often breaks off part of the chewing surface; a crown usually fixes this. A cracked tooth extends down toward the root and if it crosses below the gum line, the tooth may not be savable. A split tooth is a complete division of the tooth into two segments — usually extraction is needed.
The sooner a crack is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.