What’s the Difference Between a Broken Tooth and a Cracked Tooth?

Our teeth are strong, but they aren’t invincible! Several factors may cause teeth to crack or break, including chewing or biting down on something hard, receiving trauma to the face, falls and accidents, untreated cavities, enamel erosion and old fillings.

Luckily, the damage is often treatable. The type of treatment you will require depends on the extent of the damage to your tooth. First, you will need to determine whether your tooth is cracked or broken.

Cracked teeth

Tooth cracks can vary in severity, from minor ‘craze lines’ in the enamel, to painful splits all the way down to the root.

A cracked tooth will often cause pain or discomfort when biting down or when exposed to extreme temperatures. It can sometimes be hard to tell whether or not your tooth is cracked without the help of a professional - the crack may not be clearly visible, and the pain may come and go or be difficult to pinpoint.

If left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen over time and cause more serious issues. If caught early, your dentist may be able to treat your cracked tooth with bonding or a crown. If the damage is more severe, your dentist may recommend a root canal or removing the tooth altogether.

Broken teeth

A broken tooth is often more painful and more difficult to ignore than a cracked tooth. When a portion of the tooth breaks off completely, the dental pulp and even sometimes the nerve may be left exposed, which is painful and dangerous for your dental health.

If your tooth breaks, keep the piece that broke off if you can, and see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with bonding, veneers, or a crown. If the break is too extensive than an extraction may be required.

If you think you may have a broken or cracked tooth, the best course of action is to see a dentist right away. Book an appointment with Kelowna Dental Solutions today for a dental checkup.