In this episode, the doctors discuss the diagnosis and repair of cracked and broken teeth.
What Is The Difference Between A Cracked Or Broken Tooth?

A cracked tooth is where a tooth has incompletely splintered but no part of the tooth has yet broken off. Cracks may not be visible.

A broken tooth is where a portion of the tooth has chipped off.
How Are Cracked And Broken Teeth Evaluated?

There are several steps in the evaluation of cracked and broken teeth –

Asking how it occurred
Asking what are symptoms
Removing the damaged portion to assess
Visual inspection
Imaging studies in 3D if necessary
Consult if nerve damage is suspected

How Is The Crack or Broken Tooth Damage Repaired?

The restoration of cracked or broken teeth depends on the extent of the damage –

Filling
Partial crown (Onlay)
Crown
Root canal if nerve damage occurred, then crown

Th doctors always try to save the damaged tooth. If the crack or fracture damage goes below the gum line, the tooth may have to be extracted and repaired with –

Implant
Bridge

If you have questions for the doctors, select the blue ‘ask a question’ box, or click here.