Cracked, Fractured, and Broken Teeth: More Serious Than You Think. How to prevent 

Cracked, fractured, or broken teeth are regarded as merely cosmetic issues by many. However, the reality is quite severe and concerning, as it can have unforeseen impacts on oral health. The factors or causes that can lead to chipped and broken teeth are varied. 

How many types of fractured teeth are there? 

Typically, teeth break when there is direct physical impact, resulting in fractures, cracks, or chips, ranging from tiny imperfections that are inconsequential to cases where a piece breaks off, which can lead to dental emergencies. 

Commonly, broken teeth often occur at the upper incisor teeth and lower molars, but they can occur with cracks or fractures in any part of the tooth. Dentistry categorizes types of cracked, fractured or broken teeth as follows: 

• Cracked tooth: This refers to a tooth with a vertical crack running from the surface of a tooth up to the gum line. Some cracks can extend to the gums and migrate toward the tooth root. 
• Craze lines: Hairline cracks limited to the enamel, causing no pain 
• Fractured cusps: This is when a fracture or crack forms around the filling of a tooth. Fractured cusps do not cause much pain. 
• Split tooth: This is when a tooth breaks into two parts. 
• Vertical root fracture: This refers to a vertical crack under the gum line extending to the surface of a tooth. It may cause no symptoms except when there is an infection in the tooth pulp. 

Why should fractured or cracked teeth not be ignored? 

Bacteria may enter a tooth pulp through a crack, causing an infection that spreads to fascia and fat layers in the face and neck. 

Signs and symptoms indicating fractured or cracked teeth 

Even if fractured teeth could be asymptomatic, the following symptoms may occur: 

• Acute pain when biting down on a tooth 
• Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food or beverages and dessert 
• Swelling in the area around a tooth 
• Pain when chewing 

Left untreated, fractured or cracked teeth can lead to infection, causing other health issues such as bad smell, chronic toothache, swollen gum and lymph nodes, and fever. 

Causes and prevention 

Common causes of fractured and cracked teeth are myriad, such as aging, deteriorated or weakened teeth, and chewing or biting hard foods such as ice and candies. Plus, teeth grinding (bruxism), traumatic dental injuries and dental treatments like root canal treatment and large fillings can lead to weakened teeth and a higher risk of fractures or cracks. 

Even though some risk factors, such as aging, are not modifiable, maintaining good oral health, cleaning your teeth properly, and seeing the dentist routinely will help facilitate early detection. Those who play contact sports should wear a mouth guard. Another way is to stop biting or chewing on solid, unyielding objects.  

Is fractured or cracked teeth repairable?

Treatment or repair for fractured or cracked teeth can take weeks or months, depending on types and methods. Your dentist will explain the procedure for each technique. Examples of treatment for fractured teeth include: 

• Dental crown: Sometimes, a dentist considers this technique to prevent and strengthen patients' teeth. 
• Tooth extraction: A dental implant procedure can fill the gap afterward. 
• Dental veneers: These help restore fractured or cracked teeth. 

Do fractured or cracked teeth require treatment? The answer is it depends. If fractured or fissured teeth are not infected, cause no pain, or are not deep cracks, treatment may not be necessary. However, you should see a dentist for a preliminary assessment if you discover cracks, fractures, or breakage. If the problems are susceptible to causing poor oral and physical health, a dentist can formulate a treatment plan to cope with the dental issues early.