If you experience a cracked tooth in Chicago, it will fit under one of four categories; craze lines, fractured cusp, cracked tooth, or split tooth. While craze lines are often superficial, a split tooth is the biggest cause for concern, and will need endodontic treatment. Cracked teeth present as a variety of symptoms, from pain to sensitivity to temperature. Here at Dental Specialists of South Loop & North Shore, we have the experience necessary to take care of any of the four types of cracked teeth.
Craze Lines: As mentioned previously, craze lines are the most superficial of all types of cracked teeth. They are tiny cracks that are only on the outer enamel of the tooth, and likely will not result in anything problematic. They occur mainly in adults, but rarely require any endodontic treatment.
Fractured Cusp: With a fractured cusp, you will want to see an endodontist for evaluation. When you have a weakened cusp, normal bite pressure may be too much, and a portion of the tooth might break off on its own. To avoid damage to the pulp, you will likely need a crown to fully restore your tooth.
Cracked Tooth: The most aptly named category, a cracked tooth needs to be detected early to ensure the best possible outcome. A cracked tooth begins at the chewing surface and continues towards the root, and may continue towards the gum line. Oftentimes, this leads to a damaged pulp and a subsequent root canal, but can require additional care if left unattended.
Split Tooth: An unattended cracked tooth can easily turn into a split tooth, which requires endodontic treatment, but the extent is unknown until we see the actual tooth. A split tooth has multiple distinct segments, so we will perform tooth restoration, as we will not be able to save the full tooth.
A cracked tooth can be extremely painful, especially if it is a more advanced crack. You can seek treatment at one of our two locations! Contact Dental Specialists of South Loop & North Shore to schedule an appointment.
