Experiencing a sudden sharp pain while biting, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and having a small line on your tooth often point to having a crack in your tooth. However, patients wonder if it can heal on its own.
Let’s understand how the cracks occur, whether they can repair themselves, and why delaying professional treatment is risky.
What Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a type of tooth fracture that involves a crack extending from the chewing surface towards the root. Cracks in your tooth can range from tiny lines, also known as craze lines, which are usually harmless, to deep fractures. Some cracks are seen easily, while others can only be detected by a dentist.
Here are some things that can cause cracks to appear on your teeth:
- Biting down on hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice.
- Teeth grinding or bruxism.
- Trauma or mouth injury.
- Natural wear that occurs due to aging.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal by Itself?
The answer is no, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth cannot repair themselves after damage, as the enamel does not have the ability to repair cracks on its own. Once the tooth is cracked, the damage can worsen unless you seek professional treatment.
Here is why the crack can never heal on its own:
- Non-Living Enamel: Tooth enamel is strong but non-living, which means it cannot repair itself naturally.
- Irreversible Damage: Once the crack appears, it may spread further and deepen over time.
Risks of Ignoring Cracks in Your Tooth
If you delay the treatment, even a small crack can become a bigger problem. Over time, the cracks can deepen further and spread into the tooth. This can cause bacteria to enter through the cracks, which increases the risk of infection and decay.
If a crack deepens and reaches the pulp, it can cause:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling
- Infection
- Gum irritation
By seeking treatment early, you can avoid major complications and more extensive treatments.
Treatment Options That Dentists Recommend
Dentists recommend the right treatment, which depends on how severe the crack is and its location. Your dentist examines the tooth through bite tests and digital scans to determine the extent of the damage.
Here are some common dental treatments:
- Dental Bonding: In select cases, this treatment can help with minor cracks. Dentists apply tooth-colored resin to protect the tooth.
- Dental Crown: A crown covers your tooth, stabilizes it, and reduces the risk of the crack spreading any further.
- Root Canal Treatment: If the crack affects the pulp, a root canal treatment is required to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue. If the crack reaches the pulp, a crown is almost always recommended to stabilize the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, when the crack extends below the gum line or splits the tooth, the tooth cannot be saved. Removal is the only solution then, and is usually followed by an implant or dental bridge.
Final Thoughts
If you have a crack in your tooth, you need to seek professional treatment early, ignoring the crack can lead to serious complications over time.
If something feels off with your tooth, you can always consult Dentist Piscataway at iCare4Smiles. We tailor dental treatments to meet your individual needs and ensure your oral health is protected. Call us at (732) 800-9524 to schedule your appointment today!