top of page
επίμηκες κάταγμα ρίζας

Diagnosis and treatment of tooth cracks and fractures

Having a tooth fracture or crack is a very common thing that can affect anyone.Early diagnosis and classification of the fracture into the appropriate category and proper treatment are vital to save a tooth.

 

​

In our practice, with the help of the dental microscope and a range of techniques, we are able to diagnose and properly treat the existence of cracks and fractures that we would not be able to distinguish with the naked eye.

μικρορωγμή αδαμαντίνης

Craze lines

  • Reasons: Often caused by daily wear and tear, bruxism or habits such as biting on hard objects.

  • Symptoms: They are usually painless and may only cause cosmetic discomfort.

  • Treatment: Usually no intervention is required. Possibly some aesthetic intervention will be decided to cover them if they are on an anterior tooth.

κάταγμα φύματος δοντιού

Fractured cusp

It is defined as the complete or incomplete fracture of the molar of the tooth which extends subgingivally.

  • Reasons: Often caused by the expansion of a smaller crack due to chewing forces.

  • Symptoms: Sensitivity to cold or heat, pain when biting, discomfort in the affected tooth.

  • Treatment: The most common treatment, if the tooth is restorable, is simple restoration with filling or crown/onlay. An endodontic treatment or immediate pulp capping is performed if the "nerve" is involved in the fracture.

κάταγμα μύλης δοντιού

Cracked tooth

It is defined as an incomplete fracture that starts at the tooth crown and extends below the gum. It is more likely to affect the pulp (nerve) than the fractured cusp.

  • Reasons: Strong chewing forces, harmful habits, such as bruxism, chewing ice and hard objects, etc.

  • Possible Symptoms: Severe pain when chewing, sensitivity to temperature changes, discomfort, abscess or no symptoms.

  • Treatment: Depends on the location and extent of the fracture. Endodontic treatment and placement of some prosthetic restoration (crown/inlay) may be needed. The prognosis of the tooth is doubtful in cases of extensive fracture.

ολικό κάταγμα δοντιού

Split tooth

It is defined as a complete fracture starting at the molar and extending to the middle or tip of the root. It is the progression of a crown fracture that was not treated in time. The parts of the tooth are now detached.

  • Reasons: Bad habits, such as bruxism, chewing ice and hard objects, etc., strong chewing forces, failure to deal with a cracked tooth.

  • Possible Symptoms: Persistent pain, crack visible to the naked eye, gum inflammation around the affected tooth, abscess.

  • Treatment: Teeth with this fracture can never be kept intact. Depending on the location and extent of the fracture, a part of them may be preserved.

επίμηκες κάταγμα ρίζας δοντιού

Vertical root fracture

It is defined as a complete or incomplete fracture starting at the root at any level. The fracture can involve one surface (buccal or lingual) or both sides of the tooth. The fracture is located in the root part of the tooth and may extend molarally to the cervical region.​​

  • Reasons: Strong chewing forces, harmful habits, such as bruxism, chewing ice and hard objects, etc.

  • Possible Symptoms: Often initially asymptomatic, but can lead to infection, swelling and pain as it progresses.

  • Treatment: The only foreseeable treatment is removal of the fractured root or extraction of the tooth. In multi-rooted teeth, the removal of one root can be done by root resection or bisection of the tooth.

bottom of page