The Risks of Ignoring Cracked Teeth: Why Early Treatment Matters

If you have any cracked teeth, they might seem like a minor inconvenience. A small crack or chip can even go unnoticed. But the truth is that you should always catch potential tooth damage in the earliest stages. When you have a cracked tooth, it should never be ignored.

Even though a small crack in your tooth seems harmless, it can turn into a bigger issue in the future if it is left untreated. It’s essential that you are proactive about visiting an experienced dentist right away, helping you avoid more significant complications in the future. In this article, we are taking a closer look at how you might be affected by a cracked tooth, and why it makes sense to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Ignore a Cracked Tooth?

Even though it might not be bothering you in the beginning, a cracked tooth can progressively get worse over time. What happens if I don’t fix my broken tooth? If it is left untreated, then you might start experiencing other consequences and side effects, such as:

  • Biting or grinding that causes the crack to get worse
  • Toothache if the crack is exposing the nerve
  • Increased risk of an infection since the crack could expose the inner layers of the tooth
  • Potential for the crack to spread to the root, which might result in tooth extraction
  • The formation of an abscess because of an infection

The longer you wait to fix a cracked tooth, the higher the likelihood that you will be dealing with more severe complications in the future.

Why a Cracked Tooth Needs to Be Treated

Does a cracked tooth always need treatment? In most cases, yes, teeth cracking should be treated. But don’t be fooled by the misconception that it will be a major or extensive treatment.

For example, if the crack is small and only affects the surface of your tooth, then the dentist can smooth it down and use a small filling if necessary. Minor surface-level cracks in teeth, sometimes known as “crazy lines,” are sometimes left untreated. Instead, our team will monitor the crack and determine if it needs treatment in the future.

The best way to determine if you need treatment for a cracked tooth is to consult with an experienced dentist. Our team will evaluate the health of your tooth and offer treatment recommendations as needed. The specific treatment will depend on the tooth that is affected and the severity of the crack.

How Long Can You Go Without Fixing a Cracked Tooth? 

Minor cracks or crazy lines can sometimes go a long time before they are treated. But just because it isn’t bothering you right now, doesn’t mean that you should delay treatment. It’s essential that you consult with a dentist right away to determine the best treatment timeline in the future.

Our dental team will evaluate the size and location of the crack. We will also ask you about any other related symptoms, such as sensitivity or pain. We might recommend monitoring a small crack. Or, there are often times when we recommend an immediate filling or crown.

Instead of asking if you can wait to treat cracked teeth, it’s better to take a proactive approach with your dental interventions. The longer you wait, the higher your risk of complications. For example, if you are proactive about a small filling right now to fix a cracked tooth, then it’s possible that you might be avoiding a more invasive treatment in the coming months or years, such as an extraction or root canal.

Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain or Damage

When something feels wrong in your mouth, then the best thing you can do is pay attention to this warning sign. Even minor issues could be indicators of more serious problems that need to be addressed.

What happens if you ignore tooth pain? Tooth pain is one of the first indicators that patients often experience when there is a crack in teeth. If you ignore the pain, even when it continues to worsen, then you could be putting yourself at risk of avoidable complications.

Ignoring tooth pain or cracked teeth might lead to more serious infections that spread from the teeth to the surrounding tissues or gums. You might need to have the affected tooth extracted when it could have previously been saved with a minor filling.

Or, cracked teeth can also be related to other chronic conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. For example, if you are grinding and clenching your teeth, then it can often cause damage over time.

So, if you have any tooth pain or other related symptoms, then the most important thing that you can do is seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Our team will evaluate your dental health, diagnose the issue, and then create a personalized treatment plan to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts for many years in the future.

The Best Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

Depending on the severity of your cracked teeth, we might recommend various treatment options:

  • Dental bonding and fillings for small cracks
  • Dental crowns for large cracks and major structural damage
  • Root canal therapy if the crack has reached the pulp of the tooth
  • Tooth extraction if the tooth is damaged beyond repair
  • TMJ treatments to prevent more tooth cracking in the future

Call the Dental Experts for Modern Treatments                                

The best way to protect your oral health is by taking a proactive approach with dental checkups, treatments, and more. Whether you need help with a toothache or you are ready to upgrade your smile, our team is here to help. You are invited to learn more about our restorative dentistry services and other available services.

Call myDental for more information about our full-service dental clinic. We offer services for people of all ages in a family-friendly environment. Our goal is to ensure that you are comfortable from the moment you walk through the door. You can choose from several convenient locations that are close to home. Reach out today to learn more about available services.