Teeth crack when subjected to stress. This stress is most often a result of a combination of chewing harder foods, ice or most commonly because of bruxism (the habit of night grinding). Teeth with or without fillings may exhibit this problem, but teeth restored with large fillings are most susceptible. Initially, a person is unaware that a tooth is cracked, and this is where early visual detection (most effectively accomplished with our magnified intraoral imaging system) comes to our aid.

SYMPTOMS and SIGNS

• Visual verification of cracks (best accomplished with our magnified intraoral imaging system).
• Possibly sensitive to cold temperatures.
• No x-ray evidence of problems (cracks do not show up on x-rays)
• No decay present.
• Pain on chewing harder foods

1. SIMPLE CRACK

Cracks are visible, no other symptoms are present. The majority can be treated by placement of a simple crown (cap) on tooth.

2. COMPLEX CRACK

In addition to visible cracks, cold sensitivity and chewing pain has begun. When a tooth cracks into the pulp (nerve) area, this will often require root canal therapy before the crown is placed. There are some times when a portion of the tooth will break off completely.

The longer the simple cracked tooth is left untreated, the more likely it will become a complex crack.