Tooth cracks happen all the time. Perhaps you accidentally bit down on a walnut shell, and the shell won. Or maybe your nighttime teeth grinding did some damage. Whatever the cause of your cracked tooth, you may be tempted to blow it off, thinking it’s nothing more than a cosmetic flaw.

Unfortunately, a cracked tooth can cause problems and may need professional treatment. Ben Peterson, DDS, and our team at High Desert Dental in Ontario, Oregon, offer quick and easy solutions for cracked teeth using the most advanced techniques and technology available. 

When to see a dentist for a cracked tooth

Whether the crack in your tooth is front and center or hidden in the back of your mouth, it’s more than a cosmetic issue. Here are some signs that your cracked tooth poses a dental health problem.

The crack is visible

If you can see a crack in your tooth, it’s a dental liability. That breach in your tooth’s enamel is an open gate for bacteria to enter the inner sanctum called the pulp, set up shop, and develop into an infection that may require a root canal.

Once bacteria invade the inner tooth and root, they can enter your bloodstream and hitch a ride to other body parts, including your face, sinuses, and neck. They can even attack vital organs, putting you at risk for heart, lung, and brain problems. 

It hurts when you chew

Your cracked tooth may not hurt when you’re not using it, but the moment you bite or chew, you feel intense pain that goes away when you release the pressure. That’s a sign of a cracked tooth. Even if you can’t see the crack, painful chewing indicates that you need to see Dr. Peterson.

Puffy gums

Bacteria go wherever they find an entrance. If you have a crack in your tooth, they seep into the crevice and form an infection that easily spreads to the nearby gum tissue. 

You may notice red, swollen gums near the injured tooth. Don’t ignore gum infections, or they’ll advance and spread to other parts of your mouth and body.

Hot and cold sensitivity

A crack in your tooth exposes the nerve inside, making it sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you can’t sip coffee or swig a soda pop without pain, it may be a sign that your cracked tooth needs attention.

Ongoing tooth pain

Pain that increases with pressure and decreases upon release is a classic sign of a cracked tooth, but the injury can also cause your tooth to ache constantly, whether you’re chewing or not. A chronic toothache caused by a crack won’t resolve on its own.

What to do for a cracked tooth

Dr. Peterson can fix your cracked tooth and stop your symptoms. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be a good candidate for one of four effective treatments.

Contoured bonding

For minor cracks, Dr. Peterson uses dental bonding, a special composite resin that matches your tooth color. He slightly etches the tooth surface and applies the bonding, shaping it precisely so it fits in with the rest of your teeth. 

Veneers

To repair a cracked tooth on the surface of your front teeth, Dr. Peterson recommends dental veneers, ultra-thin shells he adheres to your tooth to cover and seal the crack. He etches your tooth slightly to promote a strong bond, then places the veneer onto your tooth. 

Crowns

Cracked molars may not be good candidates for veneers because they have lots of nooks and crannies that make it impossible for the thin shell to adhere and bond. 

In this case, a crown is your best bet. Instead of covering the front surface of the injured tooth, a crown fits over the entire molar like a jacket. 

Dental implants

If your tooth is severely cracked or fractured, you may need to replace the tooth with a dental implant. 

Dr. Peterson extracts your damaged tooth, ensures you have enough healthy bone tissue in your jaw, then anchors a titanium post into the bone. After the site heals, he places a crown atop the post, and your smile is good to go. 

Dr. Peterson shaves down a thin layer of your enamel, creates a model of your cracked tooth, and places a temporary crown over it while your permanent crown is manufactured. When it’s ready, you return for the final installation and fitting. 

Don’t ignore a cracked tooth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson online or by calling our Ontario, Oregon, office.