Cracked teeth may sound like an annoying little bother—a tiny hairline fracture or a little wiggling sensation—but it is way more severe. Left untreated, cracked teeth can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. In this blog, we’ll discuss why you should never skip out on treating a cracked tooth, why cracked teeth occur, and what treatment options are to ensure oral health.
Understanding Tooth Cracks
A cracked tooth is a fracture in the enamel or deeper parts of the tooth. They can be as small as surface lines (craze lines) or as large as dangerous vertical splits that extend below the gum line.
The most common reasons for cracked teeth are:
- Biting hard things like ice or nuts
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
- Trauma or injury to the mouth
- Big fillings that put a strain on the tooth structure
- Sudden change in temperature (such as consuming something very hot and then something cold)
Not all cracks can be seen with the naked eye, and some might not even be painful immediately. But if cracked teeth are untreated, it can have serious and permanent effects.
What Signs Indicate a Need for Cracked Tooth Treatment?
Since cracks in teeth are not always visible, it’s important to recognize the warning signs that your tooth may need professional attention. Here are some common indicators:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially when releasing the bite
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Swelling around the gum line or a small bump near the affected tooth
- Pain that comes and goes, making it difficult to identify the source
- Visible cracks or fractures on the tooth surface
- A sense that something is “wrong” when you chew
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly if they become more frequent or severe, don’t wait. Cracked teeth untreated can progress over time, leading to infection and further complications.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth
Even if the crack seems small, it can compromise the tooth’s structural integrity and open the door to bigger issues. Here’s what can happen if cracked teeth go untreated:
1. Increased Tooth Sensitivity and Pain
Once the enamel is breached, the interior layers of the tooth—particularly the dentin and pulp—can be exposed to heat and pressure. This can increase sensitivity or occasional stabbing pain, especially upon chewing.
Over time, this discomfort often worsens, making it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods or even speak comfortably.
2. Infection and Abscess Formation
Cracks in the tooth create an ideal pathway for bacteria to enter the pulp chamber, where the nerves and blood vessels reside. Once bacteria reach the pulp, infection can develop. Left untreated, this infection can spread to the root and surrounding bone, resulting in a dental abscess.
Dental abscesses are not only painful but can also pose serious health risks. If the infection spreads beyond the mouth, it could lead to facial swelling, fever, or even systemic conditions like sepsis.
3. Tooth Loss
When the crack becomes deeper or advances below the gum line, it can make the tooth non-restorable. In such instances, the only option might be extracting the tooth. Once a tooth is missing, it can influence the chewing, speech, and positioning of the adjacent teeth.
Options such as dental implants or bridges, can prove expensive and take more than one visit. Avoiding tooth loss is one of the key reasons why leaving teeth untreated should never be part of your oral care plan.
Types of Tooth Cracks and Associated Risks
Knowing the type of crack determines how urgently treatment should be sought. According to AAE the types of tooth cracks are,
- Craze Lines: Shallow, enamel-level surface cracks. These are usually harmless, but they are still to be monitored.
- Fractured Cusps: A small portion of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. If not treated, it may continue to spread into deeper cracks.
- Cracked Tooth: A crack that runs from the chewing surface to the root. Left untreated, it can spread deeper.
- Split Tooth: A tooth split into multiple segments—usually the result of neglecting a cracked tooth.
- Vertical Root Fracture: A fracture that begins in the root and travels upwards. They are usually difficult to identify and will often result in extraction.
Regardless of type, cracked teeth untreated can develop into something more severe and painful.
How Dentists Diagnose Cracked Teeth
Not all cracks are visible on an X-ray or to the naked eye. Dentists, therefore, employ a mix of methods to diagnose them:
- Visual check in bright light and with magnification
- Dental Dye to make cracks visible
- Bite Tests to detect pain in pressure
- Digital X-rays or 3D Imaging for deeper cracks
If you have sharp pain when you’re chewing, heightened sensitivity, or something feeling “off” in your bite, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
The sooner the crack is discovered, the better your options are. This is not always possible, but here’s what dentists do most often for cracked teeth:
- Bonding or Fillings: For small cracks, a tooth-colored composite resin can be placed over the crack to seal it and restore function and look.
- Dental Crowns: A crown encases the entire tooth, keeping the crack from advancing and stabilizing it while biting and chewing.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack extends to the pulp, a root canal might be needed to eliminate infected tissue and salvage the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: In extreme cases—such as a vertical root fracture—the only recourse might be the removal of the tooth. A dental implant or bridge can then restore form and function.
Prevention Tips
- Steer clear of biting hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
- Wear a mouthguard if you clench your teeth or engage in contact sports
- Do not avoid warning signs such as sensitivity, pain when chewing, or sudden stabbing pains
- Go to your dentist on a regular basis for early detection and observation.
Final Thoughts
A cracked tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a time bomb for oral health. Whether the crack is small or severe, not treating cracked teeth can result in severe consequences, from infections and abscesses to the loss of a tooth. The best part? Early treatment can avoid most of these consequences and spare you years of pain and expense.
At ProSmiles Dental, we are experts at diagnosing and repairing cracked teeth with sensitivity, accuracy, and compassion. If you think you have a crack or are feeling pain, don’t hesitate—schedule an appointment today and safeguard your smile for the years to come.
