Tooth fractures or cracks

Tooth fractures or cracks are breaks or splits in the tooth structure that can range from minor enamel cracks to severe splits involving the root. They can cause pain, sensitivity, and risk of infection if not treated promptly.

🦷 Types of Tooth Fractures / Cracks

1. Craze Lines

• Tiny cracks in the outer enamel only
• No pain or treatment needed
• Often just a cosmetic issue

2. Fractured Cusp

• A piece of the tooth (usually a cusp) breaks off
• May cause mild pain or sensitivity
• Often repaired with a filling or crown

3. Cracked Tooth

• A crack extends from the chewing surface toward the root
• Pain when chewing or releasing bite
• Needs early treatment to prevent progression (often a crown)

4. Split Tooth

• The crack extends below the gum line and the tooth is split into segments
• Often not salvageable; may require extraction

5. Vertical Root Fracture

• Starts in the root and moves upward
• Often silent until infection develops
• Typically requires extraction or surgical intervention

🔍 Common Causes

• Biting hard objects (ice, popcorn kernels)
• Trauma (e.g., sports injury or accident)
• Large fillings that weaken the tooth
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Sudden temperature changes in the mouth
• Aging (cracks more common over age 50)

⚠️ Symptoms

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Intermittent pain that comes and goes
• Swelling around the tooth or gum
• Visible crack (in some cases)

🩺 Diagnosis

• Clinical exam (visual inspection and bite tests)
• Dental X-rays (may not always show cracks)
• Special dye or transillumination (light test)
• Cone beam CT (in complex cases)

🛠️ Treatment Options

🛡️ Prevention

• Avoid chewing hard items (ice, pens, bones)
• Wear a mouthguard during sports
• Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid extreme temperature contrasts in food/drink
• Maintain good oral hygiene and routine checkups