Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

You can’t see it with the naked eye, but you know it’s there. The sharp pain while chewing or biting down is a giveaway. Tiny, “hidden” cracks on your tooth can do big damage if left unchecked. 

Cracked tooth syndrome, otherwise known as fractured tooth syndrome, is one of the most difficult dental problems to detect because (1) there may not be any visible signs, and (2) the cracks are usually too small to show up on x-rays. Fractured teeth are becoming more common as people live longer and retain their natural teeth for more years. Over time, the hairline fractures could cause your teeth to become more sensitive to temperature and touch.

Untreated cracks will spread and seep into the inner workings of your tooth, irritating the pulp chamber which contains the living nerves. If the nerve is exposed to bacterial toxins and become inflamed, it could result in a tooth abscess (infection) or deadening of the nerves. In severe cases the tooth can split, and the only treatment is a tooth extraction.

Although we become more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome as we age, there are other factors which could increase the risk:

• Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism) increases the stress and pressure on your premolars and molars, wearing down your teeth
• Bad habits such as eating ice, chewing on pencils or eating hard foods
• Worn down or large fillings could weaken the tooth, making it more vulnerable to fractures

Fortunately, there is treatment—and early diagnosis is key! There are various types of fractured teeth and each one requires a different solution. Dr. Meola and his family dental team can perform a thorough exam of your mouth and teeth and identify the cause of your tooth fracture. Once the problem is isolated, we will help you decide the appropriate treatment options. Depending on the severity, a cracked tooth can be saved if caught early enough, so it’s important to see your dentist right away. Regular dental checkups and monitoring any emerging cracks can also help to prevent and preserve your teeth for life.