The crown acts as a strong cover that protects the tooth from infection and losing the tooth. Without the crown, the tooth will not even be able to handle the pressure of chewing. It is important to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible by seeking treatment from a professional endodontist.

Dental crowns are the only option for repairing a broken or severely damaged tooth that cannot be fixed with veneers, onlays or fillings. If the broken tooth is at the risk of falling apart, the crown will reinforce the tooth and hold it in place.

Cracked teeth are actually quite a common occurrence. Many times, we will recommend treating a cracked tooth with a crown, but not every kind of crack requires a crown to protect your tooth from further damage.

Depending on the condition of your broken tooth, you may need a crown or extraction followed by replacement with a bridge or implant crown. If your tooth is only slightly chipped, bonding or a porcelain veneer may be all you need.

If left untreated, a molar crack can lead to a serious infection, a deeper fracture, or damage to surrounding teeth and gums.

If you have a broken tooth, there are usually a few options the dentist can pursue to repair it. However, in the most serious cases, extraction may be necessary.

Simple extraction You will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.

Treatment will be based on the severity of the crack. Your dentist may recommend a crown, root canal, or tooth extraction. If your dentist thinks a crown is best, a filling material can repair the crack. If the inside of your tooth is damaged, your dentist may suggest a root canal to remove the damaged tissue.

Risks of an Untreated Cracked Molar A small fracture may not be a significant treatment initially, but it can lead to extensive and costly dental care if left untreated. A larger cracked molar can lead to pain, infection, and tooth extraction.

A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and a sharp pain results as the crack quickly closes. Even though the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated.

For example, a chipped or cracked tooth is an emergency if the fracture is very painful or has left sharp fragments that cause trauma inside your mouth. If the tooth is chipped but does not hurt, you can wait to see your dentist.

However, any tooth can break with injuries that range from slight cosmetic damage to serious injuries. Deep cracks can run down to the root or from the tooth’s center to the pulp chamber, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Cracks may not be visible, hiding inside the tooth or below the gum.