What Happens If a Cracked Tooth Is Left Untreated?

A cracked tooth may seem like something you can put off treating, especially if the discomfort comes and goes or the crack isn't visible when you look in the mirror. Unfortunately, cracks in teeth don't heal on their own, and continuing to bite and chew on the affected tooth can allow the damage to progress. In some cases, a crack can eventually reach the pulp inside the tooth, leading to inflammation, infection, worsening pain, or even the loss of a tooth that may otherwise have been saved. 

At Purchase Endodontics, our team evaluates and treats cracked teeth with the goal of relieving symptoms and preserving the natural tooth whenever possible. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth in Paducah, KY, keep reading to learn what can happen without treatment and why having it evaluated sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth? 

Cracked teeth don't always cause constant or obvious pain, which is one reason they can go unnoticed for some time. Because symptoms can vary depending on the location and extent of the crack, it's important to pay attention to changes that persist or repeatedly affect the same tooth. Possible signs of a cracked tooth include:  

• Pain when biting or chewing 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures 
• Intermittent tooth pain 
• Tenderness or swelling around the tooth 
• Pain that is difficult to pinpoint 

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own? 

Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth can't repair itself. Tooth enamel does not regenerate once it has cracked, and normal biting and chewing forces may cause an untreated crack to extend farther into the tooth over time. This doesn't necessarily mean that every small crack will become a dental emergency, but it does mean that a suspected crack is worth having evaluated. Treating the tooth while the damage is still limited may provide more options for preserving it. Waiting until pain becomes severe can allow a manageable problem to become more complex and may reduce the chances that the natural tooth can be saved. 

Can an untreated cracked tooth become infected? 

If a crack extends deeply enough to reach the pulp, bacteria can enter the inner portion of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This can cause inflammation or infection of a cracked tooth and may lead to worsening pain, swelling, temperature sensitivity, or other symptoms. An infection inside a cracked tooth will not resolve simply because the discomfort temporarily subsides. 

Without appropriate care, the infection can progress and potentially affect the tissues surrounding the tooth. This is one reason prompt evaluation is particularly important if symptoms become stronger, more frequent, or are accompanied by swelling. 

How can a cracked tooth be saved? 

Whether a cracked tooth can be repaired depends largely on the location, depth, and severity of the damage, so treatment is tailored to the individual tooth. Small cracks limited to the enamel may sometimes be repaired with dental bonding to restore strength and appearance. A more substantial crack may require a dental crown, which covers and protects the weakened tooth while restoring function. 

When a crack reaches the pulp, root canal therapy may be needed to remove inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth before it is restored. If a crack extends too far below the gumline or compromises the tooth beyond repair, extraction may become necessary, which is why earlier treatment can make an important difference in both your short- and long-term outcome. 

Protect your natural tooth with cracked tooth treatment in Paducah, KY 

A cracked tooth is easier to address before the damage has an opportunity to progress. If you're experiencing pain when chewing, unusual sensitivity, or other symptoms that could indicate a crack, our team at Purchase Endodontics can evaluate the tooth and determine the most appropriate next step. Contact us to schedule an evaluation for cracked tooth treatment in Paducah, KY, and find out what can be done to protect your oral health and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.