What Happens If I Don’t Fix a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth might not seem like a big deal at first. Maybe it doesn’t hurt much, or the crack is barely visible. But ignoring a cracked tooth is one of those situations where waiting almost always makes things worse (and more expensive to fix). At Advanced Dental Professionals in Rapid City, Dr. Aaron Studer and Dr. Lemmon see patients regularly who waited too long and ended up needing far more extensive treatment than they would have if they’d come in sooner. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Teeth Crack?
Teeth crack for a lot of reasons. Biting down on something hard, like ice or an unpopped popcorn kernel, is a common culprit. So is teeth grinding (bruxism), which puts repeated stress on enamel over time. Accidents and sports injuries can cause cracks, as can large fillings that weaken the surrounding tooth structure. Temperature extremes (eating something very hot immediately followed by something very cold) can also contribute.
Age is a factor, too. Teeth that have endured decades of chewing, grinding, and general use are simply more prone to cracking.
What Happens If You Leave It Alone?
This is where things get serious. A crack that seems minor today can progress quickly, especially if you continue chewing on that tooth. Here’s what can happen when a cracked tooth goes untreated:
- The crack gets deeper. Chewing creates pressure, and that pressure forces a crack to spread further into the tooth. A small crack that a dentist could have treated easily might eventually reach the root, at which point the tooth may no longer be salvageable.
- Infection sets in. When a crack reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, bacteria have a direct pathway to the nerves and blood vessels inside. This can cause a painful infection or abscess. At that stage, you’re likely looking at root canal therapy rather than a simpler restoration.
- The tooth breaks. A cracked tooth that isn’t treated can fracture in half under pressure. Depending on how and where it breaks, the tooth may need to be extracted entirely. Replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge is significantly more complex and costly than treating a crack early.
- Pain and sensitivity worsen. You may notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold, or pain when you bite down. These are signs the crack has progressed and that nerve involvement may already be happening.
Is All Tooth Pain the Same?
No, and understanding the difference can help you know how urgently you need to see a dentist. Pain that comes and goes when you bite down on something is a classic sign of a cracked tooth. Sharp, lingering sensitivity to temperature, particularly cold, can mean the crack has reached the pulp. A constant, throbbing ache or swelling in the gums near the tooth suggests infection may already be present.
Any of these symptoms mean it’s time to call your dentist. Don’t wait to see if the pain goes away on its own. In some cases it might temporarily, but that doesn’t mean the problem has resolved; it may mean the nerve has died, which is actually a sign things have gotten worse.
Can a Cracked Tooth Always Be Saved?
Not always, which is exactly why early treatment matters. When a dentist catches a crack before it has reached the root or caused infection, the tooth can often be saved with a crown or bonding. If the crack extends into the pulp, root canal therapy may be needed before placing a crown. In cases where the crack has traveled below the gumline or split the root, extraction becomes the only option.
The earlier a dentist evaluates the crack, the more options you have, and the simpler and more affordable those options tend to be.
How Will a Dentist Treat a Cracked Tooth?
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack. A dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and may use special tools or dye to see exactly where the crack extends. Based on those findings, treatment might include dental bonding, a crown to hold the tooth together and protect it from further damage, root canal therapy if the pulp is involved, or extraction in severe cases. The process is straightforward, and modern dentistry makes it far more comfortable than most patients expect.
Don’t Wait! Schedule an Appointment Today
If you suspect a cracked tooth, the best thing you can do is contact Advanced Dental Professionals as soon as possible. Our team is here to evaluate what’s going on and walk you through your options. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of a simple, lasting solution. Call us today to set up your appointment.