Cracked tooth syndrome is a very common problem, usually affecting teeth that are heavily filled. The decay and subsequent filling causes a weakening of the remaining tooth structure. Like all materials, teeth are subject to stress fatique. After many bites on the tooth, (stress cycles) a hairline fracture can develop, usually at the bottom corner of the cavity. If you are under a lot of emotional stress, you may grind your teeth (usually at night) contributing to the propagation of the fracture.
If I do nothing about a crack or fracture what will eventually happen?
The crack continues to slowly propagate (spread) like a crack in a glass. Sometimes the crack goes off to the side and the fragment of tooth breaks off. The crack can also go deep into the root at times right into the nerve of the tooth. Teeth can often go for months in a stable, yet inflamed condition. It is difficult to predict the course of the untreated tooth, but usually it is a slow downhill slide as the crack deepens. It is not a good idea to leave it, because a small crack can be treated effectively, and minimally to avoid further more complicated treatment. Treatment for minor fractures include a One-Visit porcelain filling (inlay or onlay) and the treatment for a major crack is a porcelain cap or crown.
****To see how Cracks or fractures propagate -- please click on the animation below
Cracked Tooth
Before Porcelain Inlay |
After Porcelain Inlay |
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