Most people have heard of cavities and gum disease. What many people don’t realize is that there is a third category of dental disease that has nothing to do with bacteria at all: force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our teeth work incredibly hard. We use them every day to chew, talk, bite, clench, and sometimes grind. Over decades of use, it makes sense that teeth can begin to show signs of wear and fatigue. Just like a windshield can develop a crack after years of stress, teeth can develop cracks as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This becomes even more common when teeth have already been restored. Fillings, crowns, and other dental work help repair damaged teeth, but a tooth that has been drilled on multiple times may not be as strong as it once was. Over time, repeated forces can create small fractures within the tooth structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some are superficial “craze lines” that affect only the outer enamel. These are common and often harmless, although they should be monitored over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other cracks extend deeper into the chewing surface of the tooth and can weaken its structure. In these situations, additional reinforcement with a porcelain inlay, onlay, or crown may be recommended to prevent the crack from spreading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some cracks reach the nerve of the tooth while leaving the overall tooth structure intact. These teeth may require root canal treatment to remove the damaged nerve and save the tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, some cracks travel even deeper into the root of the tooth. When a crack compromises the foundation of the tooth, it may no longer be repairable and extraction becomes the most predictable treatment option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most frustrating aspects of cracked teeth\u2014for both patients and dentists\u2014is that they can be very difficult to diagnose. The location and severity of a crack are often impossible to see directly, and cracks frequently do not appear clearly on dental X-rays. Despite advances in dentistry, there is still no completely reliable way to determine exactly how deep a crack extends without sometimes beginning treatment and evaluating the tooth further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of this, we often rely heavily on symptoms. Patients with cracked teeth may experience pain when biting, discomfort when releasing pressure after chewing, sensitivity to cold temperatures, or intermittent symptoms that seem to come and go. Two people with very similar cracks can have completely different experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For patients who clench or grind their teeth, nighttime forces can contribute significantly to crack formation and progression. Many people are unaware they grind while sleeping. A custom night guard can help reduce these forces and protect teeth from further damage over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important thing to understand about cracked teeth is that early intervention matters. A small crack may be monitored or reinforced, while a larger crack can quickly become a much more complicated problem. If you notice sensitivity when biting, pain when chewing, or changes that don’t seem to have an obvious cause, it’s worth having the tooth evaluated sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not every crack requires treatment, but every crack deserves attention. The earlier we identify the problem, the more options we have to preserve the tooth and keep your smile healthy for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Most people have heard of cavities and gum disease. What many people don't realize is that there is a third category of dental disease that has nothing to do with bacteria at all: force.<\/p>\n