Chips and fractures can develop in a variety of ways in teeth, and although they may not always cause discomfort at first, they may occasionally require extraction. However, the need to extract a broken tooth is a complex choice impacted by several factors. So, whether your cracked teeth need to be pulled or not will be determined by the extent, direction, and position of the fracture.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a common dental issue that occurs when the enamel, the tooth’s hard outer layer, fractures or breaks, or when the fracture extends into the pulp and dentin, the tooth’s inner layers. The severity of a tooth crack can vary from little, hairline cracks (craze lines), which often don’t hurt, to more serious fractures that, if ignored, can cause pain, sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss.
Types of Cracked Tooth
Below are the different types of cracked teeth:
- Craze Lines: Craze lines are microscopic, hairline fissures in the tooth’s outer covering or enamel. They are often painless and superficial and may just be a cosmetic issue.
- Fractured Cusp: A fragment of the chewing surface (cusp) breaking off, usually surrounding a filling, is known as a fractured cusp. Although it might not hurt all the time, it might make your teeth sensitive.
- Split Tooth: A more severe break that runs from the chewing surface through the tooth and divides it into two separate parts is called a split tooth. It usually happens when a broken tooth that hasn’t been treated gets worse.
- Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth spreads vertically toward the root, maybe below the gum line, and begins on the chewing surface. The fracture might hurt even when the tooth doesn’t break into pieces, especially when biting and irritating the pulp.
- Vertical Root Fracture: A vertical root fracture occurs when a break starts in the tooth’s root and moves upward toward the chewing surface. Until an infection forms in the surrounding bone and gum, it might not show any signs.
When is Extraction Necessary for a Cracked Tooth?
Here are some factors that may help you make the right decision:
Type and Severity of the Crack
A tooth fracture or shallow crack that just affects the enamel would not need to be extracted, but more extensive treatment might be needed for larger fractures that reach the pulp, such as a split tooth.
Oral Health
One important factor to consider is the possible effects of the damaged tooth on your general dental health. If the fracture poses a serious risk of infection, endangers neighboring teeth, or compromises the structural integrity of the damaged tooth, extraction may be considered the best course of action to prevent further issues.
Ending Note!
In short, you will need to have your cracked tooth pulled out if the fracture is severe to the point that no other dental treatment can help. Consult our expert dentist at Divine Dental Studio about your cracked tooth and let them offer you the finest possible treatment.
Contact us at (209) 207-7777 and book your appointment right away.