A small crack in a tooth might seem harmless, especially if it does not hurt at first. But teeth can’t heal themselves. A tiny crack can still cause serious oral health problems over time.
A cracked tooth can definitely cause a serious infection in the tooth. Knowing this and acting fast can help you save your tooth and protect your oral health.
How Cracks Cause Infection
Enamel is the outer protective layer of teeth, and it shields the more delicate interior. Under the enamel is the dentin. At the center of the tooth is the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerve fibers.
When a tooth is cracked, the enamel’s protective barrier is compromised. Bacteria get into the crack through food, drinks, and saliva. Chewing can cause the cracked portions of the tooth to flex or move, potentially allowing bacteria and irritants to reach deeper tissues.
If not treated, the infection can spread from the tip of the root, through the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and form a painful pocket of pus, called an abscess.
Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
Infections do not always start with sharp pain. Sometimes, the symptoms progress gradually. If you have an infected tooth, watch for the following signs:
- Pain on biting or chewing
- Pain when drinking hot or cold beverages
- Swollen gums around the tooth that are tender
- A small pimple or bump on the gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Jaw or neck pain
If you notice any of these signs, you should seek professional evaluation immediately. Ignoring a cracked tooth only gives bacteria more time to cause permanent damage.
Treating a Cracked Tooth
Dentists use several effective methods to fix cracked teeth depending on the location and depth of the crack. When you catch a crack early, treatment is often straightforward. Dentists usually apply a custom dental crown to wrap around the tooth.
This holds the structure together and prevents the crack from growing. If the crack has already reached the inner pulp, you will likely need a root canal. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and fills and seals the space. The tooth may then be restored with a crown or another appropriate restoration to protect it.
When the crack has reached below the gum line, the only solution could be to extract the affected tooth, as failure to do so would lead to infection spreading into the jawbone. This is one reason why it is so crucial to get treatment for a cracked tooth as soon as possible.
Protect Your Smile Today
A cracked tooth may not cause noticeable pain at first, so waiting for symptoms to worsen can allow the damage to progress. If you suspect a crack or have pain when you eat, see a specialist right away.
At iCare4Smiles, we are dedicated to providing gentle, quality oral healthcare. If you’re dealing with a broken tooth, our staff offers professional cracked tooth repair to correct the damage, stop infection from spreading, and keep your smile healthy for years to come. Call us at (732) 800-9524 to book your appointment.