The majority of people are afraid of tooth extractions. Therefore, when they experience a cracked tooth, the first question that pops into their minds is, “Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled?” A cracked tooth can be concerning, but extraction is not always the sole solution.
The sensitivity of each tooth depends on its location and function. For example, a molar, which has about 45 nerve endings, can cause a lot of pain if it cracks. Luckily, many dentists offer a cracked tooth repair service to save your precious tooth.
What Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is when there is a breakage in a tooth. Cracks can be small, painless, and hard to see, or they can be large, uncomfortable, and easy to notice.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
Anyone can get a cracked tooth. Cracks can happen above or below the gum line. Knowing the causes can help prevent them. Some common causes include:
- Age (people over 50)
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Large fillings that weaken the tooth
- Biting hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy
- Trauma from an accident, fall, or sports injury
- Sudden changes in temperature in the mouth
Does a Cracked Tooth Always Need to Be Pulled?
No, a cracked tooth doesn’t always need extraction. Whether it needs removal depends on certain factors. Dentists try to save natural teeth at any rate unless it becomes impossible for them. Following are some considerations your dentist is going to take:
- Type of Crack
- Tiny Cracks: These are small cracks on the surface of the tooth. They usually don’t need extraction because they’re superficial.
- Fractured Cusp: When the pointed chewing part of the tooth breaks, it can hurt but might not need pulling out. Fillings or crowns can often fix it.
- Vertical Root Fractures: These are cracks that start at the root of the tooth and go up. They’re hard to treat, and pulling out the tooth is often the only option.
- Split Tooth: If a crack goes from the top of the tooth down to the root, the tooth might need extraction if the crack gets worse. But if caught early, sometimes the tooth can be saved.
- The severity of the Crack
The extent of the crack determines what treatment is needed. Small cracks can require fillings, while deeper ones might need root canal treatment. - Location of the Crack
Where the crack is in the tooth matters; if it goes into the middle part (pulp), it can cause infection and pain. In that case, dentists perform a root canal treatment. - Tooth’s Entire Health
If the tooth is mostly healthy and the crack isn’t too bad, the dentist can save the tooth. - Treatment Options
New treatments like root canal therapy and crowns can often fix cracked teeth. You might not need a tooth extraction if the crack is treatable. - Patient’s Preference
What the patient wants also matters. Some people prefer to keep their natural teeth. While others prefer extraction and replacement with the tooth implant.
Final Thought
Every individual knows that teeth can’t heal on their own. That’s why their dental anxiety triggers a concern: “Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled?” No, but the best option is to communicate openly with your dentist.
Visit Dr. Ayesha Muzaffar at iCare4Smiles. Our doctor of dental surgery is extensively trained in dental implants, root canal therapy, oral surgery, and orthodontics. Dial (732) 800-9524 to book an appointment to achieve a confident smile.