You’re halfway through dinner when you feel that unmistakable crunch—but it wasn’t the food. Suddenly, your tooth feels a little... off. Maybe it hurts, maybe it doesn’t.
You glance in the mirror and spot a suspicious line running through your molar. Is it serious? Should you call your emergency dentist in Ft Lauderdale now, or finish your meal and deal with it later?
Cracked teeth are surprisingly common, and they come in all kinds of varieties—some are no big deal, and others can land you in the dental chair fast. The tricky part is figuring out which is which. The crack you barely notice today might be the one that turns painful and complicated tomorrow.
Before you panic—or completely ignore it—take a deep breath. Learn what cracked teeth mean, when they’re considered a dental emergency, and what you can do about it in the meantime.
Cracked teeth vary in severity, and understanding the type of crack you’re dealing with can help determine how urgently it needs to be treated.
Craze lines are very small, shallow cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They are especially common in adults and often result from regular wear and tear. Although they may be visible, they rarely pose a threat to your oral health.
A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, usually around a filling. This type of crack generally does not reach the pulp (the inner nerve of the tooth) and is not always painful.
While not usually an emergency, it should still be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further damage.
This type of crack begins at the chewing surface and may extend toward the root. Unlike a fractured cusp, the crack can involve the pulp, which may cause discomfort or sensitivity, especially when chewing.
Early diagnosis is important because cracks can worsen, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
If a crack has progressed and completely divides the tooth into distinct segments, it’s considered a split tooth. The condition often results from an untreated cracked tooth and causes significant pain.
In most cases, a split tooth cannot be saved and will require extraction.
This type of crack starts in the root of the tooth and travels upward. Vertical root fractures are often difficult to detect in the early stages because they may not cause noticeable symptoms.
Over time, however, they can lead to infection or abscesses, which may present as swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth. Treatment may involve extraction, depending on the extent of the damage.
So, how do you know when to stop everything and call us? If you notice any of the following, your cracked tooth has crossed into emergency territory:
Even if the crack looks minor, pain and swelling are your body’s way of saying the situation needs attention now.
Life gets busy, and maybe the crack isn’t bothering you much today. But waiting too long can turn a small issue into a big (and expensive) problem.
In other words, hoping it will heal on its own isn’t realistic—unfortunately, once a tooth is cracked, it won’t repair itself without professional treatment.
Until you can see your dentist, here’s what to do and what not to do.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the crack. After a quick exam (possibly with digital X-rays), your dentist will recommend one of the following:
The key is catching it early. The sooner we see it, the more we can do to preserve your natural tooth.
If the crack:
…it’s likely safe to schedule a regular appointment instead of calling after hours. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it forever. Even harmless-looking cracks can develop into more serious problems.
If you’ve noticed a cracked tooth or even just a strange twinge when you bite, it’s worth getting it checked. TLC Dental is here to help you catch the issue early and avoid more serious problems down the road.
Call our emergency dentist in Ft Lauderdale today or book your appointment online—we’ll make sure your teeth stay strong, stable, and pain-free!
