Can A Cracked Tooth Heal On Its Own? | Elite Endodontics of NH

A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. Teeth may crack due to weakened enamel caused by decay, chronic teeth grinding, or naturally soft teeth. If you have a cracked tooth, a common question is: does it need to be treated or will it heal on its own? Here’s what you need to know. 

Can Teeth Heal Like Bones? 

Although teeth seem to be a lot like the bones in your body, they do not possess the same healing capabilities. There is no blood supply to the enamel portion of your teeth. Although there are blood vessels and nerves contained in the dental pulp that exists in the root canal of your teeth, it does not give the tooth the same healing power as your bones. 

This means that if a tooth cracks or a piece breaks off, the tooth is not capable of healing itself. It will need to be treated by a dentist or endodontist.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth 

It is not always easy to tell if you have a cracked tooth. Some cracks are small and not highly visible. It is also difficult to see a crack in a back tooth. Here are some common signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth that are easier to notice. 

• Pain when chewing. If you have pain in a certain area of your mouth when you chew, there may be a cracked tooth somewhere around that location. 
• Pain that comes and goes. A cracked tooth doesn’t always hurt constantly. The pain tends to come and go, making you wonder if there is actually a problem. 
• Swelling around the tooth. A cracked tooth can cause swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue around the tooth that may be noticeable and tender. 
• Extreme or lingering sensitivity. If you have extreme sensitivity to cold or heat in a certain area of your mouth, or if the sensitivity lingers after the source has been removed, the tooth may have a crack that is exposing the nerves. 

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. A cracked tooth is at risk of infection and if the crack worsens the tooth could become unsavable. In most cases the tooth will be treated with a root canal and a crown. A root canal removes the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth to remove or prevent infection. Then a crown protects the remaining tooth material and the roots that support it. The tooth can remain in place for many years after treatment. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

Elite Endodontics of NH provides prompt treatment for cracked teeth that give you the best possible chance of saving them. 

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth

When Can a Cracked Tooth Not Be Saved? 

There are some situations where a cracked tooth can not be saved:

• If the crack begins or extends under the gums.
• If the tooth is split. 
• If the crack has gone untreated for too long. 

Why Choose an Endodontist for Cracked Tooth Treatment?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in restoring the health of teeth from the inside. When a tooth is cracked the dental pulp inside the tooth is at risk of infection or damage. Endodontists specialize in root canals and other endodontic procedures that treat the dental pulp and restore the health of the tooth.