Cracked Teeth

If you are experiencing dental pain and have difficulty determining the source, you may have a cracked tooth. When you visit Gubler Dental, our dentists can determine if you have a cracked tooth, and can either provide an appropriate treatment or recommend you to an endodontist, depending on the severity of the crack. Call us today at (702) 558-9977 to make your appointment with Drs. Chad Gubler and Sean Gubler and learn more about cracked teeth in Henderson, Nevada.

Cracked teeth can put you at risk for developing serious dental problems, including infections in the nerves of your teeth. In more severe cases, you may need a surgical procedure to restore the function and appearance of your damaged teeth! Symptoms of cracked teeth include pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature, releases of biting pressure, and chronic or intermittent pain.

You can prevent cracked teeth by avoiding chewing on hard objects (ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, pens, etc.), by not grinding or clenching your teeth, and by wearing mouth guards or protective masks while participating in contact sports. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, contact our practice immediately. Diagnosing and treating the problem early is always preferable to waiting until it worsens.

There are many types of cracked teeth. Some of the most common types include:

  • Craze Lines – Tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These are superficial and usually need only the lightest of treatments, if they need treatment at all.
  • Fractured Cusps – This type of crack occurs when the raised points of the top of your tooth weaken and break off. Dental crowns are the recommended treatment for this type of crack.
  • Cracked Tooth – This type of crack extends from the chewing surface towards the root, and may even extend below the gum line into the root. Cracked teeth often damage the pulp, making a root canal necessary in order to prevent the loss of the tooth.
  • Split Tooth – Split teeth are the result of untreated cracked teeth. You can identify a split tooth by the distinct segments it breaks into. You may or may not be able to save the tooth, depending on the position and extent of the problem.
  • Vertical Root Fracture – This crack begins at the root and extends toward the chewing surface of your tooth. Vertical root fractures do not exhibit obvious symptoms, and your tooth will mostly likely need to be extracted.

For more information about cracked teeth, and to make your appointment with our dentists, please contact our office today.