Facts About Cracked Teeth By Green Bay's Gentle Dental Professional Dr. David Brusky

    HOWARD, WI, March 15, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Finding a cracked tooth can be a frightening experience, and the patient may find him/herself suffering from a number of symptoms. The patient may feel pain when clenching or releasing bite pressure, or pain that results from exposure to extreme temperatures. In most cases, this pain comes and goes, but no matter the level of discomfort, symptoms of cracked teeth are not to be ignored. The moment a crack is discovered, the patient should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Green Bay Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Brusky typically chooses dental treatment based on the location and nature of the tooth crack.

According to Dr. Brusky, "Our primary objective is to stop the patient from feeling pain. If the crack is deep, the tooth's nerves and blood vessels will be exposed, and this is why the patient feels pain. When the patient bites down, the pieces of the tooth will move, causing even more pain. In a healthy tooth, the ultra-solid enamel and hard dentin keep the soft inner core of the pulp - where the nerves and blood vessels are located - free from harm. In an injured tooth, these areas are exposed and vulnerable; and care must be taken immediately to prevent infection."


Types of Cracked Teeth
Patients typically suffer from three primary types of cracked teeth: Split teeth (vertical root fracture), craze lines, and fractured cusp. Cracks are generally caused by a disruption of the tooth's structure. A crack is distinguished from a fracture because the sections of the tooth are still attached.

"When patients suffer teeth fractures, entire sections of the tooth break away or otherwise separate from the whole. Cracks can be caused by a variety of factors like trauma, harmful habits like teeth grinding and clenching. In some cases, the bite relationship between opposing teeth and poorly fitted restorations can cause the teeth to crack."

When Teeth Exhibit Craze Lines
A craze line crack only affects the outer enamel of the tooth. "When we're younger, our enamel is thinner and more malleable. As we age, enamel gets thicker and is more susceptible to cracking. Therefore, craze line cracks tend to be an adult issue," Dr. Brusky said.

When the cusp of the tooth (the elevated part) becomes weakened, the tooth may fracture. A fractured cusp doesn't always damage the pulp, so the patient won't always require a root canal. The dentist working on the fracture will usually restore the tooth with a tooth-colored filling, crown, or porcelain onlay.

Tooth cracks, if left to worsen, will eventually spread from the chewing surfaces of the tooth, then move vertically towards the root. The cracks act just like the tiny chip in a windshield that gradually grow larger over time. In some cases, cracks may even reach below the gum line and into the root. When the pulp is damaged, a root canal will be necessary to save the tooth and prevent tooth loss.

When Teeth are Split
Dr. Brusky urges patients who suspect they have cracked teeth to schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. "When cracked teeth aren't repaired in a timely manner, they can split. A tooth split is said to have occurred when the tooth becomes separated into at least two distinct pieces," he said.

Vertical Root Fractures
Vertical root fractures originate at the root of the tooth and extend to the chewing surfaces. In many cases, the patient won't experience any symptoms during this time, and the fracture may not be discovered until the surrounding gum or bone become infected. This is due to the fact that many fractures that start in the root of the tooth occur in root canaled teeth, particularly in those that have had posts inserted.

How Dentists Diagnose Cracked Teeth
Dr. Brusky checks for teeth cracks using trans-illumination. A light is shone through each tooth, whereby the Green Bay dentist will look for a single or multiple dark lines. The specialized light will penetrate each tooth until it meets space, then the light will be reflected. If the enamel and dentin are intact, the light will continue all the way through the tooth. When the light bends or shows dark lines, that indicates that a crack or fracture is present.

In some cases, cracks or fractures will go undetected, particularly if the patient has been fitted with a silver filling in the past. Dr. Brusky explains that "The old filling will have to be removed in order for a correct diagnosis to be given. Many patients with old fillings have cracks under the cusps or in the floor of the tooth, and they remain unaware the cracks exist because there may not be any pain."

Other ways cracks or fractures can be detected is by having Dr. Brusky probe the gums around the tooth; cracks that propagate into the roots cause a distinct gum pocket.

The Bite and Release Test
How do patients check for cracks and fractures? Dr. Brusky describes the "bite and release test" as an easy way to check for teeth cracks. If it hurts when the patient bites down and/or releases, a crack or fracture could be present.

To learn more about cracked or fractured teeth, contact the office of Green Bay's dentist, Dr. David Brusky.

About Us: State-of-the-art dentist Dr. David Brusky and his compassionate team offer premium dentistry services to patients in Green Bay, Howard, De Pere, Seymour, Shawano, and Pulaski.

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