A chipped tooth is best treated as soon as possible after the injury to prevent further damage.
Cracked teeth should also be treated as soon as possible. An untreated crack can cause permanent damage to the tooth and its roots to the point that it is no longer functional and needs to be pulled.
There are various types of cracked teeth. They are:
- Fractured cusp (tooth prominence) where a piece of the chewing surface breaks off, most likely in a molar
- Cracked tooth where a crack extends from the chewing surface to the gum line
- Split tooth where a crack has split open the tooth into two distinct pieces
- Vertical root fractures begin at the root of the tooth and extend towards the chewing surface. They may have no symptoms but can be the most damaging over time.
It is important to see a dentist for most chipped and cracked teeth. But in some cases, as with craze lines, there is no need to see a dentist.
Craze Lines
Craze lines are tiny cracks on the surface of the teeth that may be visible but are very shallow. Though these lines may affect the appearance of the teeth, they are extremely common in adults and do not cause issues.3
Emergencies
See your dentist immediately if your chipped tooth reveals roots or pulp (the interior part of the tooth that has the nerve and blood vessels) or the pain is extreme. Most dentists will reserve time in their schedules for emergencies or have an after-hours line to help you assess the injury.5