Dental Specialists of
South Loop

Cracked Teeth – Tooth Symptoms & Treatment in Chicago, IL

Cracked teeth display a variety of symptoms, ranging from pain when chewing to temperature sensitivities and difficulty exerting bite pressure. These symptoms may at first occur intermittently, making it difficult to diagnose the source of the discomfort. As the condition of your tooth deteriorates, the pain will likely worsen—even without stimulus.

Full Cracked Tooth

Chewing exerts pressure on your teeth and may cause pieces of a cracked tooth to move, irritating the pulp within the tooth and causing discomfort. Without treatment, the pulp will eventually become damaged, leading to a possible infection that can deteriorate the pulp tissue and spread into the gums and even into the bone surrounding the problematic tooth. The best way to avoid complications is to have the cause of your tooth pain evaluated by a professional.

Types of Cracked Tooth

Every situation is different, but cracked teeth are divided into four main categories:

  • Craze Lines—Craze lines refer to the cracks that are limited to the outer enamel of the tooth and rarely warrant concern.
  • Fractured Cusp—A weakened cusp may not be able to withstand normal bite pressure, eventually resulting in a fractured cusp. The portion of the tooth affected may rupture and need to be removed by a dental specialists. Endodontic evaluation is essential because this type of injury may cause damage to the pulp. A crown is then assembled on top of your tooth to protect it from further damage.

Fractured Cusp

  • Cracked Tooth—A crack that originates at the chewing surface to the root of the tooth is considered a cracked tooth. The crack may continue below the gumline, and this type of injury often causes damage to the tooth’s nerve. A root canal may be necessary. If left untreated, the condition may get worse and cause chronic pain. Early detection is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome.
  • Split Tooth—A split tooth consists of distinct segments. The extent of the damage, the position of the segments, and the endodontic treatment options available will dictate whether or not any portion of the tooth can be salvaged. Coordinated treatment and restoration efforts by a qualified endodontist and your dentist may save the tooth.

Split Tooth

  • Vertical Root Fractures— Vertical root fractures are cracks that have been left untreated and now result in an infection of the bone and gums. Dependent on the tooth and the level of infection, patients can either have an endodontic surgery to save the tooth or completely extract it.

preview-full-Vertical Root Fracture

Emergency Treatment can Save Your Tooth

If you have a dental emergency, please call us right away at 312-356-4700 for our Chicago office. Obtaining prompt evaluation and treatment may help save your tooth. We serve patients in the South Loop, Chicago and Hyde Park areas.

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South Loop Dental Specialists

850 South Wabash, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60605

312-356-4700