Never Ignore a Cracked or Broken Tooth

Many people think about their teeth as inanimate objects, but in reality, your teeth are very much alive. Teeth have an inner core that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, all of which are living tissues. That’s why your teeth are able to feel pain. 

When a tooth cracks or breaks, it becomes at risk of additional harm. Leslie Azran, DDS, and the team at BH Dental NY, encourage you to seek professional dental care for a tooth that has cracked or broken. We are happy to provide care at our office in the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City.

Why is a cracked or broken tooth such a big deal?

As mentioned above, the inner chamber of your tooth contains living tissues that make up a substance called pulp. The next layer of tooth is a hard tissue called dentin. The outermost layer of each tooth is another type of hard tissue called enamel. 

Beneath your gums, your tooth roots are anchored in your jawbone, creating a secure attachment that keeps your teeth in place. Gum tissue surrounds the tooth roots and creates a barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream. 

When a tooth is cracked or broken, this structure is altered. The layers that kept the living portion of your tooth protected have now been breached, leaving an opening for the bacteria and other substances in your mouth to enter your tooth chamber and beyond. 

You can also develop an abscess, a sac of pus at the root of the tooth that can be incredibly painful. Even worse, an abscess can lead to an infection, which can spread to other parts of your body. 

Cracked teeth are not always easy to detect

In some cases, a cracked or broken tooth arises due to some sort of trauma. You know something is wrong right away, either because you experience sudden pain, you notice a portion of your tooth has been dislodged, or you can see the damage with your own eyes. 

But a cracked tooth is not always so easy to notice. You can develop a crack on any part of your tooth, including the back side or the surface in between your teeth. Very often, the first signs of a cracked tooth are increased sensitivity to heat or cold, pain when biting down, or swelling around the damaged tooth. 

Less commonly, you might develop bad breath, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. This is one reason why routine dental exams are so important. If you come in for a dental exam every six months or so, Dr. Azran will detect it during your visit, and there won’t be much time for serious problems to develop.

What can be done to treat a cracked or broken tooth?

Your treatment plan depends on the extent of damage and your overall goals. For example, a tooth that has broken off at the gumline will likely need to be extracted and replaced with a bridge or dental implant. 

If your tooth has developed an infection in the pulp, a root canal might be the best course of action. Minor cracks or chips can often be resolved with a dental crown, which covers all of your visible tooth tissue with a durable and aesthetically pleasing artificial material. 

Dental bonding and veneers are also options for addressing cracked or chipped teeth that are otherwise healthy. During your visit, Dr. Azran explains all available treatment paths, as well as what to expect if you choose to forgo treatment altogether. 

Seek prompt attention if you experience a cracked or broken tooth

 Accidents happen, and anyone can experience a cracked or broken tooth at any time. If you or a loved one encounters this common dental health issue, taking prompt action can help restore your smile and preserve your overall health. 

The team at BH Dental NY has time built into our weekly schedule for unexpected dental emergencies. We will work with you to find an appointment time that fits your schedule and gets you in for care promptly. You are welcome to give us a call, and we also offer online booking as an option.