How serious is a cracked molar?

If left untreated, a molar crack can lead to a serious infection, a deeper fracture, or damage to surrounding teeth and gums.

Can you live with a cracked molar?

Sure, you can probably live with a cracked tooth. There may be minimal pain and it might not even show when you smile-but there are many dangers to living with a fractured tooth that could affect your oral health for years to come. A tooth can crack/fracture when there is a weak spot or trauma to the tooth.

Should I be worried if I have a cracked molar?

Anyone who suspects that they have a cracked tooth should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated may lead to more problems, pain, and discomfort over time.

What do they do for a cracked molar?

Treatment will be based on the severity of the crack. Your dentist may recommend a crown, root canal, or tooth extraction. If your dentist thinks a crown is best, a filling material can repair the crack. If the inside of your tooth is damaged, your dentist may suggest a root canal to remove the damaged tissue.

Can cracked molars heal?

WILL MY TOOTH COMPLETELY HEAL? The fracture in a cracked tooth will never heal, unlike a broken bone. In spite of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress, resulting in loss of the tooth.

Understanding Cracked Tooth Treatment and Symptoms

Is a cracked tooth an emergency?

A broken tooth often warrants a visit to an emergency dental office. In fact, tooth fractures are one of the most common dental emergencies.

Does a cracked tooth need a crown?

If a tooth is cracked, it is a serious condition and does usually require a crown. Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal. Vertical cracks that travel to the gumline may require a full-coverage crown.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked molar?

Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the different treatments that can fix chipped teeth: Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth. A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500.

Can you ignore a cracked tooth?

People can experience several different types of cracks. A common example is craze lines, tiny cracks in the outer enamel of your teeth. This is the only type of crack you can safely ignore.

Do all cracked teeth need root canal?

The most common cause of front-tooth fracture is trauma or physical injury. For fractures where the tooth pulp is not affected, a root canal will not be necessary, except if patients show signs of pulpitis (pulp infection). If the pulp gets exposed due to breakage, a root canal will certainly be necessary.

Will the crack in my tooth get worse?

A cracked tooth can get worse by getting more damaged or by becoming infected. Subsequently, it is important to take precautionary measures to protect the tooth and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to get the restorative treatment that you need for your cracked tooth.

What happens if a cracked tooth goes untreated?

Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can cause the pulp and other tissues inside to get infected. Once this happens, the chance of losing the tooth increases. Do know that the sooner proper measures are performed, the more chances of preventing the further progression of the crack, alleviating pain, and saving the tooth.

What causes molars to crack?

Causes of a cracked tooth

pressure from teeth grinding. fillings so large they weaken the integrity of the tooth. chewing or biting hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or hard candy. blows to the mouth, such as might happen with a car accident, sporting injury, fall, or even a fistfight.

Can dentist fix crack tooth?

If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.

How long will a cracked tooth last?

With prompt treatment, repaired teeth can last for years and not cause any other issues. But even with treatment, tooth cracks may sometimes continue to get bigger or split. This can result in tooth loss at some point.

What can a dentist do with a broken tooth?

How long does dental bonding last?

Typically, however, bonding material lasts between three and 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.

How much is dental bonding?

On average, you can expect to pay around $300 to $600 per tooth. You'll need to replace the bonding about every 5 to 10 years. Check with your dental insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. Some insurers consider dental bonding a cosmetic procedure and won't cover the cost.

Can a broken molar be crowned?

Crowns are a great option for repairing cracked, chipped or broken teeth. Whether your tooth was broken by an oral injury or damaged due to wear & tear (such as teeth grinding) a crown is a good option.

What is worse a crown or root canal?

After the root canal procedure, a dental crown is needed to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage. However, if a dental crown is placed on a decayed tooth, the decay can worsen and spread, leading to further complications.

Is it better to get a root canal or tooth extraction?

In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.

When is a cracked molar an emergency?

The most common signs that indicate that a cracked tooth may be a dental emergency include a visible sign of a severe crack, pain while biting down or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swollen gums, or aching tooth pain that lasts for an extended period of time or suddenly worsens.

What happens if molar breaks?

Breaking a tooth can expose the dentin or pulp layer. Whenever you break a tooth, see a dentist or other healthcare provider as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely the dentist will be able to save your tooth. It's not normal for your teeth to be black on the inside.

Should I brush a cracked tooth?

When you crack your tooth make sure to clean the area and keep sugar and decay-causing foods away from the tooth as much as possible. Do this by brushing your teeth, gently, after it has cracked. If it is too painful to brush, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.

What does a cracked molar feel like?

Typically, cracked teeth will cause pain with biting pressure and pain during chewing (especially upon release), as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. Pain may come and go; in some cases, you may experience hardly any pain at all.