Tooth fractures range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks that extend into the root. The type and location of the fracture determines the treatment and prognosis of the tooth.
Craze lines (tiny surface cracks) are superficial and only affect the enamel — no treatment is necessary beyond cosmetic concerns. A fractured cusp is a more serious issue where a piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often requiring a crown. A cracked tooth, if the crack extends toward the root but has not yet split the tooth, can often be saved with a crown and sometimes a root canal.
A split tooth is a more severe situation where the tooth has split into two distinct segments. Whether this tooth can be saved depends entirely on where the split is located. A vertical root fracture, where the fracture starts in the root, often requires extraction.
The critical takeaway is: do not wait. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely we are to save your tooth. Dr. Borania and the team at Om Dental Care are trained in the latest fracture management protocols to give your tooth the best chance of survival.