By Hadley Gavin
A tooth can have varying degrees of cracking and fracture. A cracked tooth has lines on its surface but is not shattered; a fractured tooth is broken or divided into multiple fragments as explained by a San Jose dentist. In this article, we will learn about different types of tooth fractures.
Types of Tooth Fractures:
Here is the list of tooth fractures:
Craze lines: are the least serious type of tooth break and are frequent in adults. Craze lines, while not technically fractures, are microscopic, hairline cracks that occur in the enamel of a tooth and look like faint vertical lines. Craze lines do not extend to the gums and are usually merely a minor problem that does not require treatment.
Fractured Cusp: A broken cusp can be caused by severe dental rot or too much force from grinding or clenching. This occurs when a bit of the tooth’s surface comes off, generally on its own as a result of enamel weakness. The most common fractures occur in the top and bottom rear teeth (molars).
Enamel fractures: occur when cracks extend beyond the outer layer of enamel while the dentin layer beneath remains intact. These fractures can result from stressful events such as falls, accidents, or biting on hard objects. Enamel fractures may cause sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and increase the likelihood of tooth decay if not treated quickly. Dental bonding is an excellent way to cure minor fractures.
Vertical Root Fractures: Cracks that start at a tooth’s root and progress upward are known as vertical root fractures. Since they are invisible without aid, these fractures are difficult to find. Vertical root fractures can arise from several causes, including trauma, massive fillings, or the tooth’s normal aging process. Managing vertical root fractures can be difficult and frequently necessitate removing the damaged tooth. But early diagnosis is the key to preventing more difficulties.
Split Root: When a broken tooth has advanced to an untreatable level, a split root results. In this instance, the fracture’s two halves detach from one another and could even be free. To treat a split root, we have to pull the tooth entirely and suggest getting a dental implant in its place. A full replacement for a split root can be obtained with dental implants, which merge with your jaw bone.
Tooth fractures can be prevented by adopting good oral hygiene practices, wearing mouthguards during sports activities, and avoiding excessive biting forces on hard objects. Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of weakened teeth and provide timely intervention.
