Tooth Fracture is becoming common among the people with the increased life span of the people. The act of clenching, grinding and chewing hard things can lead to fractures or cracks in the teeth.

Cracked and fractured teeth can especially be difficult to locate.  When the outer hard tissues of a tooth are fractured or cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces and the pulp becomes irritated.  Often this results in a momentary, sharp pain which eventually progresses to include thermal sensitivity. If treatment is delayed, the teeth may start hurting on its own due to pulp degeneration.

If the crack or fracture is caught early enough, often times only a restoration that holds the tooth together will be needed.  Once the pulp begins to degenerate or becomes infected, it must be treated endodontically if the tooth is going to be maintained.   Like cracks in a windshield, cracks in teeth can often remain small or progress slowly over time. The treatment you receive for your cracked tooth is important because it will relieve pain and reduce the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.