Cracked Teeth

Because we live longer and more stressful lives today, we are exposing our teeth to many more years of potentially damaging habits such as clenching, grinding, and chewing on hard objects.

These habits make our teeth more susceptible to cracks. Your endodontist may treat a cracked tooth to prevent further damage to the tooth structure and tissue.

Cracked teeth do not always show any visible signs of damage, but may present a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when you chew with them, and pain or sensitivity to heat and cold. In many cases, the pain may come and go, making it difficult for your doctor to locate the source.

Why Cracked Teeth Hurt

When the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces, and the pulp becomes irritated. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a momentary, sharp pain. Irritation of the dental pulp can be repeated many times by chewing.

Eventually, the pulp will become damaged to the point where it can no longer heal itself. The tooth will not only hurt during chewing but may also become sensitive to extreme temperatures. In time, a cracked tooth may begin to hurt all by itself. Extensive cracks will lead to infection of the pulp tissue, even spreading to the bone and gum tissue that surround the tooth.

Types of Cracked Teeth

There are many different types of cracked teeth. The treatment and outcome for your tooth depends on the type, location, and extent of the crack.

Craze Lines

Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. These cracks are extremely common in adult teeth. Craze lines are very shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond appearance.

Fractured Cusp

When a cusp (the pointed part of the chewing surface) becomes weakened, a fracture sometimes results. The weakened cusp may break off by itself or have to be removed by the endodontist. When this happens, the pain will usually be relieved. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is seldom needed. Your tooth will usually be restored with a full crown by your dentist.

Cracked Tooth

Some cracks extend from the chewing surface of the tooth vertically toward the root. A cracked tooth may not be completely separated into two distinct segments. Because of the position of the crack, damage to the pulp is common. Root canal treatment is frequently needed to treat the injured pulp.

Your dentist will restore your tooth with a crown to hold the pieces together and protect the cracked tooth. At times, the crack may extend below the gingival tissue line, which requires extraction.

Split Tooth

A split tooth is often the result of long-term progression of a cracked tooth. The split tooth is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact. The position and extent of the crack, however, will determine whether a part of the tooth can be saved. In rare instances, endodontic treatment and a crown or other restoration by your dentist may be used to save a portion of the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. They often show minimal signs and symptoms and may therefore go unnoticed until the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment may entail extraction of the tooth. However, endodontic surgery is sometimes appropriate if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root.

Preventing Cracked Teeth

While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.

  • Don't chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens.
  • Don't clench or grind your teeth.
  • Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing contact sports.

Early diagnosis is important. Even with high magnification and special lighting, it can be challenging to determine the extent of a crack. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, and eventually result in the loss of the tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to saving these teeth.

What PatientsAre Saying

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been our family dentist since 1998. During our first visit, I recall being impressed with his knowledge, skill and genuine regard and conscientiousness to create a trusting and caring environment for patients; which has consistently been our reality over the past 19 years. Dr. Yazdani has partnered with us to provide the best dental are available, and we consider ourselves fortunate that he chose to locate his practice in Aurora. I find that the special interest and consideration that Dr. Yazdani has for his patients exceeded expectations and is welcomely appreciated.”

~ Nadia C.

“Myself and my now adult children have been Dr. Yazdani’s patients for 17 years! He and his staff are customer focused. They are professional, welcoming, courteous and experts in their field. Appointments are always on time and the facility is very clean. We actually look forward to our dental visits! Our expectations are met each and every time. Thanks Dr. Yazdani and crew!”

~ Eva C.

“My family and I have been patients of Dr. Yazdani for 15 years now. The clinic itself has state of the art technology and the friendly staff are always there to greet you with a smile. Dr. Yazdani cares for his patients; he is very pleasant and always explains what he is doing. Our appointments are always on schedule and if there’s ever an emergency, they try to accommodate you in every way possible.”

~ Susan R.

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been my dentist for over 23 years, and my wife and I will continue to see Dr. Yazdani for as long as he practices, as he is an excellent dentist and has provided outstanding services. My wife and I have known his staff for many years and they are professional, courteous, helpful and enjoyable to deal with. Dr. Yazdani has taken a personal interest in our dental health and has provided a lot of good advice in maintaining our oral hygiene. We always look forward to seeing Dr. Yazdani for our scheduled appointments.”

~ Rob and Mary

“Our family has been coming to Dr. Milan Yazdani for dental care since he first opened his practice in Aurora. We have been to many dentists over the years, and have found Dr. Yazdani to excel them all in his professionalism and knowledge, his consultative, caring and sensitive approach, and we find his entire team to be friendly, flexible, professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

~ Pat M. and Peter S.

“The Yazdani Dental office has serviced my family for over 20 years. My children, now young adults, have received the best care from a staff that has, for the most part, remained intact all this time. Their manner is friendly, courteous and professional. I highly recommend them!”

~ Gord D.

“On my first appointment with Dr. Yazdani, I immediately noticed how welcoming everyone was. The secretary, Lina, was very personable and kind. Dr. Yazdani was very thorough and professional, and I felt very valued as a patient. His staff is amazing and they are always very friendly. Six years later, my whole family frequents the office and I highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great dentist.”

~ Natasha V.

“I have now been cared for by Dr. Yazdani and his capable staff for a number of years. Previously dental visits were a cause for reluctance and discomfort - not so with Dr. Yazdani and staff. Visits are pleasant and efficient with minimal and infrequent discomfort. Couldn’t recommend Yazdani Dental any higher!”

~ John G.

“Dr. Yazdani is an excellent dentist who main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and getting the best dentistry he can offer. The staff is very accommodating and friendly; the office is always very clean.  Dr. Yazdani has been my dentist for 13 years and I would highly recommend hi to all my friends and family.”

~ Rebecca G.

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Milan Yazdani for a number of years. He’s always been very conscientious whether he's doing a tooth extraction, or filing a cavity. He never makes you feel nervous. His dental hygienists have been helpful with home dental care instructions. The receptionist greets you cheerfully and makes you feel relaxed.  If you are looking for an exceptional dentist, I would highly recommend Dr. Yazdani.”

~ Gareth J.

“We have patients of Dr. Yazdani for 20 years, and have been extremely happy with him and his whole team!”

~ Christina, Bill, Mary Anne, and Beth
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