There are several levels of severity for cracks in a tooth. Cracks can be minor, often referred to as “craze lines” that are small lines on the enamel of the teeth. These don’t normally require treatment. Cracks in the cusp or chewing surface of the teeth that do not affect the pulp can also be treated clinically with fillings or crowns allowing you to keep your natural tooth in place.

More serious cracks run vertically from the enamel down into the pulp, or nerve center of the tooth. If left untreated, the pulp may become exposed, causing pain, inflammation, infection, and possibly the eventual loss of the tooth. These forms of cracks can sometimes be treated with a root canal, which involves removing the pulp and sealing the tooth. A post and crown are then placed, allowing you to keep your natural tooth.

A split tooth is the most severe form of crack since it cannot be saved. Split teeth need be removed and can be replaced effectively replaced with a minimally invasive, mini dental implant. Mini dental implants are posts that are inserted into the jawbone and covered with a cap, or artificial tooth, in order to replace a lost tooth. Dental implants fuse with the jaw and the cap is color-matched to surrounding teeth, creating a permanent replacement tooth that looks and acts like your other natural teeth.

At Lakeside Center for Dental Implants, our first course of action is always to work toward saving existing teeth whenever possible. If you have a cracked tooth and would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact our office today at 586-228-0909 to schedule your cracked tooth consultation.