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Cracked Tooth Treatment in Bradenton, FL
Cracked teeth can cause pain and sensitivity, worsening over time if left untreated. At Smyl Manatee, we evaluate your damaged tooth to recommend the best repair solution, ranging from fillings and bonding to crowns or root canals.
Is Your Tooth Cracked?
A cracked tooth isn't always easy to see. Some cracks are visible, while others can be hidden beneath the surface of the tooth. Symptoms may also vary depending on the location and depth of the crack.
You may notice:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain that seems difficult to pinpoint
- A chipped or fractured portion of the tooth
- Increased sensitivity in one particular tooth
- Pain when releasing your bite
- Intermittent tooth pain
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- A tooth that feels different when you bite
A cracked tooth should be evaluated rather than simply waiting to see whether the symptoms disappear
What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Teeth can crack for a variety of reasons.
Biting Hard Foods
Hard foods or objects can place excessive force on a tooth.
Large Fillings
A tooth with a large filling may have less remaining natural structure and can become more susceptible to fracture.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Repeated pressure from grinding or clenching can place significant stress on teeth over time.
Trauma
An accident, sports injury, fall, or blow to the mouth can damage a tooth.
Tooth Decay
Extensive decay can weaken the structure of a tooth and increase the risk of fracture.
Normal Wear Over Time
Teeth experience repeated chewing forces throughout life, and some cracks become more common as teeth age.
Types of Cracked or Damaged Teeth
Not every crack has the same treatment.
Minor Surface Cracks
Small cracks in the enamel may not require extensive treatment if they don't affect the structural integrity of the tooth.
Your dentist will determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Chipped Tooth
A small portion of a tooth may break away because of trauma, biting forces, decay, or normal wear.
Depending on the location and size of the chip, bonding, a filling, veneer, or another restoration may be considered.
Cracked Tooth
A crack can extend through part of the tooth structure and may cause pain or sensitivity.
Treatment depends on how deep and extensive the crack is.
More Extensive Tooth Fracture
A severely fractured tooth may have damage extending deeper into the tooth.
In some situations, root canal treatment and a crown may be possible. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may need to be considered.
Important: A dentist needs to evaluate the tooth to determine how serious a crack is. A crack that looks small on the outside may extend farther into the tooth.
When Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Some cracked teeth require prompt attention.
Seek Urgent Dental Care
- Severe tooth pain
- Significant swelling
- A broken tooth causing sharp pain
- Pain that makes it difficult to eat or sleep
- Signs of infection
- A large portion of the tooth breaking away
- Dental trauma
- A cracked tooth with facial swelling
What Should I Do Until I See the Dentist?
- Avoid chewing on that side. Using the damaged tooth can place additional pressure on the crack.
- Avoid hard foods. Stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may put additional stress on the tooth.
- Keep the area clean. Continue gentle brushing and oral hygiene while avoiding unnecessary pressure on the affected area.
- Don't try to repair it yourself. Temporary home repairs cannot determine or address the extent of a tooth fracture.
- Contact your dentist. Prompt evaluation can help determine whether the tooth can be treated before the damage progresses.
Why Choose Smyl Manatee?
Comprehensive Evaluation
Multiple Treatment Options
Modern Dental Technology
Restorative & Emergency Care
Personalized Treatment
Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost
The cost of repairing a cracked tooth depends on the extent of the damage and the treatment required. Your cost may depend on the severity of the crack, the type of restoration, whether decay is present, whether root canal treatment is needed, whether a crown is required, whether extraction is necessary, diagnostic imaging, and your dental insurance benefits.
A cracked tooth should be examined before a treatment cost can be determined. Our team can explain your treatment recommendations and discuss insurance and available financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to common questions about cracked teeth and what to expect at Smyl Manatee.
Don't Wait for a Cracked Tooth to Get Worse
Let Smyl Manatee examine the tooth, determine the extent of the damage, and explain your options.
- Identify the extent of the damage
- Understand your treatment options
- Get a clear, personalized treatment plan
