Cracked Teeth
CRACKED TEETH
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort. Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root which can then damage the pulp.
TYPES OF CRACKS
CRAZE LINES
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.
FRACTURED CUSP
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary.
Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
CRACKED TOOTH
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. Some cracks stop prior to reaching the gum line. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line and further into the root. In this situation, damage to the pulp is common, and root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
SPLIT TOOTH
A split tooth can be identified by a crack with distinct separate segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic treatment by the endodontist and a restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
VERTICAL ROOT FRACTURE
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.
SCHEDULING
We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, please let us know, we do have times set aside for emergencies. Please arrive on time and honor your scheduled visit. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. To avoid the $75 cancellation fee, please notify us in advance of your need to change a scheduled appointment.
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Please call us at 808-218-6650 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
IMPORTANT
A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY ALL PATIENTS UNDER 18 DURING THEIR VISITS.
PLEASE ALERT THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAY BE OF CONCERN PRIOR TO SURGERY (I.E. DIABETES, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES AND JOINTS, RHEUMATIC FEVER, ETC.) OR IF YOU ARE ON ANY MEDICATION (I.E. HEART MEDICATIONS, ASPIRIN, ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY, ETC.) OR REQUIRE MEDICATION PRIOR TO DENTAL CLEANINGS (I.E ANTIBIOTICS, FOR PRE-MED.)
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