Does a Cracked Tooth Need a Crown?

Cracked teeth can be tricky. Sometimes a piece breaks off and the problem is obvious. Other times, the tooth looks completely normal but sends a sharp pain through your mouth every time you bite into something.

A dental crown is one way to repair a cracked tooth, but it isn’t always the only option. The right treatment depends on where the crack is, how deep it goes and how much healthy tooth structure is left.

Here are a few signs that a cracked tooth may need the extra protection of a crown.

It Hurts When You Bite Down

Pain while chewing is one of the more common signs of a crack. You may feel a quick, sharp pain when you bite down or when you release your bite. It might only happen with certain foods or when you chew at a particular angle.

This can happen because the cracked sections move slightly under pressure. A crown covers the tooth and helps hold those sections together, so the tooth can handle normal chewing without continuing to flex.

If one tooth keeps giving you trouble, try to chew on the other side until you can have it checked. Repeatedly biting on it to see if it still hurts may make the crack worse.

One Tooth Has Become Sensitive

A sip of cold water should not make you jump out of your chair. If one tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to hot or cold foods, a crack could be allowing temperature changes to reach the more sensitive layers beneath the enamel.

Sensitivity can also come from tooth decay, worn enamel or gum recession, so it doesn’t automatically mean you have a crack. Still, it is worth paying attention to, especially if the sensitivity lingers after you stop eating or drinking.

If the nerve is still healthy, a dental crown may be enough to protect the tooth. When a crack reaches the inner pulp and causes inflammation or infection, root canal treatment may be needed before the crown is placed.

The Tooth Has a Large Filling

Large fillings can leave less natural tooth structure behind. After years of chewing and normal wear and tear, the remaining walls of the tooth may begin to weaken or crack.

The tooth might not hurt, but it may feel different when you chew. You could also notice a line near the filling or see that part of the filling has started to pull away.

Another filling is not always the best fix when a large portion of the tooth is already missing. A crown covers the entire visible section and can give the damaged tooth more support.

A Piece of the Tooth Has Broken Off

You may notice a rough edge with your tongue, find a small piece of tooth after eating or realize that part of an old filling is gone. Even without pain, it is best to have the area examined.

A small chip may only need a filling or another partial restoration. A larger break may require a crown to rebuild the tooth and protect what remains.

In the meantime, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side. A weakened tooth can lose another piece surprisingly quickly.

The Crack Is Getting Larger

Minor cracks in the outer enamel, often called craze lines, are common in adult teeth. They are usually shallow, painless and do not affect the strength of the tooth.

Deeper cracked teeth are a different story. A crack cannot heal itself, and pressure from chewing or grinding may gradually make it longer. Treating the tooth early may prevent further damage and leave more healthy structure available for the repair.

It is not always possible to tell how deep a crack is just by looking in the mirror. Some cracks are also too fine to show clearly on an X-ray. Your dentist may use lighting, magnification, bite tests and a hands-on examination to figure out what is happening.

Can Every Cracked Tooth Be Saved With a Crown?

Unfortunately, no. A crown works best when the crack is limited to the part of the tooth above the gum line and there is enough healthy structure to support the restoration.

If the tooth has split into separate sections or the crack runs deep into the root, it may not be repairable. Extraction could be required, followed by a replacement such as a bridge or dental implant.

That sounds like a big jump, but it is not where every cracked tooth ends up. Getting the tooth checked sooner gives your dentist a better chance of treating it before the damage spreads.

When Should You Call the Dentist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• New sensitivity in one tooth
• A rough or broken edge
• Pain that comes and goes
• Tenderness or swelling around the gum line
• A tooth that suddenly feels weak or different
• A crack that appears to be growing

Severe pain, facial swelling or fever may be signs of an infection and should be looked at promptly.

Until your appointment, keep pressure off the tooth and stick with softer foods. Avoid trying to patch it with glue or other household products. That can make the tooth harder to treat and may irritate the surrounding tissue.

If something feels off with one of your teeth, give Knox Mountain Dentistry in Kelowna a call. We can take a closer look, explain what is happening and let you know whether a crown for a cracked tooth is the right way to repair it.