• Home
• About Dr. Kardon
• Patient Education
• Services
• Case Studies
• Payment Information
• Appointments
• Dentists
• Contact
• Sitemap

Types of cracked teeth

FRACTURED CUSP
When a cusp (the pointed part of the chewing surface) becomes weakened, a fracture sometimes results.
The weakened cusp may break off by itself or may have to be remaoved by the dentist. When this happens, the pain will usually be relieved. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is seldom needed. The tooth will usually be restored by your dentist with a full crown.

CRACKED TOOTH
This crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth vertically towards the root. A cracked tooth is not
completely separated into two distinct segments. Because of the position of the crack, damage to the pulp is common. Root canal treatment is frequently needed to treat the injured pulp. Your dentist will then restore your tooth with a full crown to bind and protect the cracked tooth. At times, the crack may extend below the gum line, requiring extraction.

Early diagnose is important. Even with high magnification and special lighting, it is sometimes difficult to
determine the extent of a crack. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progessively worsen, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in saving these teeth.





SPLIT TOOTH
A split tooth is often the result of the long term progression of a cracked tooth. The split tooth is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth can never be saved intact. The position and extent of the crack, however, will determine whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. In rare instances, endodontic treatment and a crown or other restoration by your dentist may be used to save a portion of the tooth.

VERTICAL ROOT FRACTURE

Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. They often
show minimal signs and symptoooms and may therefore go unnoticed for some time. Vertical root fractures are often discovered when
the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment usually involves extraction of the tooth. However, endodontic surgery is
sometimes appropriate if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root.