Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReasons a Cracked Tooth Doesn’t HurtWhen to See a DentistRepair Options
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Reasons a Cracked Tooth Doesn’t Hurt
When to See a Dentist
Repair Options
Acracked or chipped toothis a common dental problem that may not cause pain. However, anyone with a cracked tooth should see a dentist for a repair as soon as possible. The crack can become larger, which may cause pain and allow bacteria to enter the tooth.
This article will discuss why some people do not feel pain with acracked toothand when to see a dentist. It will also cover cracked tooth risk factors and complications.
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My Tooth Cracked, But Why Don’t I Feel Pain?
A cracked tooth can be very sensitive and cause pain. But in some cases, there is no pain at all.
To understand why a cracked tooth may not hurt, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of the tooth.
The hard exterior layer of the tooth is theenamel. Just under the enamel is the middle layer of the tooth calleddentin. Under the dentin is the pulp. The pulp contains the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves.
If the enamel develops a crack or chips, it may not cause pain. That is because there are no nerve endings in the enamel. However, if the crack reaches down to the pulp or irritates the pulp, there will be pain.
Types of Tooth FracturesThere’s a dental fracture classification system called Ellis Fracture Classification. Here are the different types of tooth fractures:Ellis I fracturesinvolve only the enamel; these injuries may show minor chipping with rough edges.Ellis II fracturesinvolve enamel and dentin and can cause pain to touch and sensitivity to air.Ellis III fracturesinvolve enamel, dentin, and pulp; can cause pain with manipulation, air, and temperature. Pinkish or reddish markings around the surrounding dentin or blood in the center of the tooth from the exposed pulp may present.
Types of Tooth Fractures
There’s a dental fracture classification system called Ellis Fracture Classification. Here are the different types of tooth fractures:Ellis I fracturesinvolve only the enamel; these injuries may show minor chipping with rough edges.Ellis II fracturesinvolve enamel and dentin and can cause pain to touch and sensitivity to air.Ellis III fracturesinvolve enamel, dentin, and pulp; can cause pain with manipulation, air, and temperature. Pinkish or reddish markings around the surrounding dentin or blood in the center of the tooth from the exposed pulp may present.
There’s a dental fracture classification system called Ellis Fracture Classification. Here are the different types of tooth fractures:
Broken Tooth, No Pain: Do Nothing or See a Dentist?
A broken tooth without pain can make it tempting to skip a trip to thedentist. However, it is necessary to see a healthcare provider about a broken tooth anwhether there is pain or not.
The crack can extend and get larger, leading to pain andinfection within the tooth. If a dentist can treat the tooth as soon as possible, it may lead to an easier repair and less treatment overall.
Causes of Broken TeethA broken or chipped tooth is a relatively common occurrence that tends to be related to physical activities or mouth habits. Below is a list of common causes of broken teeth:Physical mouth trauma or injuryTooth decayTeeth grinding or clenchingChewing hard foodsPoor dental hygiene
Causes of Broken Teeth
A broken or chipped tooth is a relatively common occurrence that tends to be related to physical activities or mouth habits. Below is a list of common causes of broken teeth:Physical mouth trauma or injuryTooth decayTeeth grinding or clenchingChewing hard foodsPoor dental hygiene
A broken or chipped tooth is a relatively common occurrence that tends to be related to physical activities or mouth habits. Below is a list of common causes of broken teeth:
Complications and Risk Factors
While a cracked tooth cannot always be prevented, several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing a cracked tooth. These risk factors include:
A cracked tooth can be associated with multiple other complications if left untreated.
Continued chewing can cause movement that irritates thepulpwhen the enamel is cracked. This can lead to pulp damage and infection, eventually creating so much damage that the pulp cannot be healed.
The complications related to a cracked tooth are:
Secondary Symptoms to Not Ignore
Acracked toothmay or may not cause any initial symptoms, which can make it seem like a problem that does not need attention. However, if left untreated, the crack can lead to a much bigger problem.
Repair Options and Aftercare
The type of repair used for a cracked tooth will determine the type of aftercare. Always follow a dentist’s aftercare instructions and follow up with any questions or concerns. Some of the instructions that may be given are:
Summary
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Endodontists.Cracked teeth.University of Pennsylvania Penn Dental.Your broken tooth: what to know and what to do.Imtiaz T, Adimulapu HS, Pandiyan I, Bhandari S.Dentist perspective on knowledge and practice toward Ellis class 3 tooth fracture: A survey.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2022;13(Suppl 2):S387-S391. doi:10.4103/japtr.japtr_393_22Hasan S, Singh K, Salati N.Cracked tooth syndrome: overview of literature.Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(3):164-168. doi:10.4103/2229-516X.165376NYU Langone Health.Tooth fracture.Zaleckiene V, Peciuliene V, Brukiene V, Drukteinis S.Traumatic dental injuries: etiology, prevalence and possible outcomes.Stomatologija. 2014;16(1):7-14.National Institute of Health.Tooth fracture.National Institute of Health.Dental pulp necrosis.Mount Sinai.Tooth abscess.Velmurugan N, Kasabwala KA, Saumya-Rajesh P, Ashritha M.Pulp canal obliteration: a review.Journal of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics. 2020;5(1):6-11. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10047-0085American Association of Endodontists.Post treatment care.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Endodontists.Cracked teeth.University of Pennsylvania Penn Dental.Your broken tooth: what to know and what to do.Imtiaz T, Adimulapu HS, Pandiyan I, Bhandari S.Dentist perspective on knowledge and practice toward Ellis class 3 tooth fracture: A survey.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2022;13(Suppl 2):S387-S391. doi:10.4103/japtr.japtr_393_22Hasan S, Singh K, Salati N.Cracked tooth syndrome: overview of literature.Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(3):164-168. doi:10.4103/2229-516X.165376NYU Langone Health.Tooth fracture.Zaleckiene V, Peciuliene V, Brukiene V, Drukteinis S.Traumatic dental injuries: etiology, prevalence and possible outcomes.Stomatologija. 2014;16(1):7-14.National Institute of Health.Tooth fracture.National Institute of Health.Dental pulp necrosis.Mount Sinai.Tooth abscess.Velmurugan N, Kasabwala KA, Saumya-Rajesh P, Ashritha M.Pulp canal obliteration: a review.Journal of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics. 2020;5(1):6-11. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10047-0085American Association of Endodontists.Post treatment care.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Endodontists.Cracked teeth.University of Pennsylvania Penn Dental.Your broken tooth: what to know and what to do.Imtiaz T, Adimulapu HS, Pandiyan I, Bhandari S.Dentist perspective on knowledge and practice toward Ellis class 3 tooth fracture: A survey.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2022;13(Suppl 2):S387-S391. doi:10.4103/japtr.japtr_393_22Hasan S, Singh K, Salati N.Cracked tooth syndrome: overview of literature.Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(3):164-168. doi:10.4103/2229-516X.165376NYU Langone Health.Tooth fracture.Zaleckiene V, Peciuliene V, Brukiene V, Drukteinis S.Traumatic dental injuries: etiology, prevalence and possible outcomes.Stomatologija. 2014;16(1):7-14.National Institute of Health.Tooth fracture.National Institute of Health.Dental pulp necrosis.Mount Sinai.Tooth abscess.Velmurugan N, Kasabwala KA, Saumya-Rajesh P, Ashritha M.Pulp canal obliteration: a review.Journal of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics. 2020;5(1):6-11. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10047-0085American Association of Endodontists.Post treatment care.
American Association of Endodontists.Cracked teeth.
University of Pennsylvania Penn Dental.Your broken tooth: what to know and what to do.
Imtiaz T, Adimulapu HS, Pandiyan I, Bhandari S.Dentist perspective on knowledge and practice toward Ellis class 3 tooth fracture: A survey.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2022;13(Suppl 2):S387-S391. doi:10.4103/japtr.japtr_393_22
Hasan S, Singh K, Salati N.Cracked tooth syndrome: overview of literature.Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(3):164-168. doi:10.4103/2229-516X.165376
NYU Langone Health.Tooth fracture.
Zaleckiene V, Peciuliene V, Brukiene V, Drukteinis S.Traumatic dental injuries: etiology, prevalence and possible outcomes.Stomatologija. 2014;16(1):7-14.
National Institute of Health.Tooth fracture.
National Institute of Health.Dental pulp necrosis.
Mount Sinai.Tooth abscess.
Velmurugan N, Kasabwala KA, Saumya-Rajesh P, Ashritha M.Pulp canal obliteration: a review.Journal of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics. 2020;5(1):6-11. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10047-0085
American Association of Endodontists.Post treatment care.
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