A cracked molar isn’t always obvious at first. Sometimes there’s a sharp pain when you bite down. Other times, it’s just a strange sensitivity that won’t go away. Because molars handle most of the heavy chewing, they’re more vulnerable to damage than other teeth.
If you’re experiencing discomfort and suspect a crack in your molar, it’s important not to ignore it. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen quickly and may require more complex treatment.
At North Thornton Dental, we regularly treat patients dealing with a cracked molar in Thornton. Knowing the early warning signs can help you act quickly and protect your smile.
What Causes a Molar to Crack?
While molar teeth are robust, they can be broken due to the excessive amount of pressure created by day-to-day eating habits and behaviors such as:
- Biting into hard food items, such as those made of ice, nuts, and hard candy
- Grinding teeth (bruxism) frequently
- A significant amount of tooth structure being removed due to fillings or other forms of treatment
- A single traumatic event (such as an accident)
- The normal use of molars over the years
Any small amount of cracking in a molar will continue to become larger if left untreated due to the elevated level of stress they receive from all directions on a regular basis.
Signs of a Cracked Molar
Comparing the symptoms of a cracked molar to other dental conditions can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms. While a crack may not be visible upon inspection, your tooth generally has other symptoms that indicate that there is an issue with it.
Five signs of a possible cracked molar include:
1. Pain When Biting and Chewing
Pain when biting down, such as when you release your pressure, is one of the most well-known indications of a cracked molar, and usually occurs either with certain foods or on one side.
2. Temperature Sensitivity
When your tooth’s interior is exposed due to a crack, it will be more prone to feel sensitivity to temperature changes (for instance, when drinking coffee or eating ice cream).
3. Variable Tooth Pain
The pain from a cracked molar is typically spontaneous, coming and going suddenly.
4. Swelling of the Gums
When bacteria enter through the crack and infect the adjacent gum tissue, it can become swollen or painful.
5. Uncertainty About the Source of the Pain
Patients often report some discomfort associated with a cracked molar but cannot identify the specific tooth causing their discomfort. This is especially common with smaller cracks that are not easily visible.
6. Visible Lines or Damage
In some cases, you may see a faint line on the tooth surface. However, not all cracks are visible to the naked eye.
If you notice any of these cracked molar symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental evaluation promptly.
When Is It an Emergency?
Many cracks do not need to be treated quickly by an emergency dentist; however, there are situations when you should see an emergency dentist. If you have any of these complications you should find an emergency dentist to be evaluated quickly:
- Intense or Increasing Pain
- Gum Swelling or Facial Swelling
- Sensitivity That Doesn’t Go Away
- Signs of Infection Such As Fever or Puss
- Pain that makes eating or sleeping difficult
If a cracked molar is not treated quickly, it can get infected, or the tooth can be lost. Treating the crack as soon as possible makes a large difference in treatment outcomes.
What Happens If You Ignore a Cracked Molar?
A crack in a molar rarely heals on its own. In fact, chewing can cause it to expand.
Without treatment, the crack may:
- Spread deeper into the tooth
- Reach the pulp (nerve)
- Cause infection
- Require root canal treatment
- Lead to extraction if the damage is severe
The sooner the crack is diagnosed, the more conservative the treatment is likely to be.
How Is a Cracked Molar Treated?
Treatment depends on the size and depth of the crack.
At North Thornton Dental, we begin with a thorough examination and may use digital imaging to assess the damage.
Common treatment options include:
- Dental Bonding – For small surface cracks.
- Dental Crown – The most common solution. A crown covers and protects the cracked molar, restoring strength and function.
- Root Canal Treatment – Required if the crack has reached the pulp and caused infection.
- Extraction – Only recommended if the tooth cannot be saved.
Our goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.
How to Prevent a Cracked Molar
Although not every fracture can be avoided, you can help protect your teeth by doing the following:
- Stay away from chewing down on hard objects such as ice. — if at all possible.
- If you have a tendency to grind your teeth at night, wear a custom night guard. This will protect against damaging your teeth while you sleep.
- Make it a point to see the dentist regularly for check-ups and dental hygiene treatments.
- Take care of smaller dental problems before they get worse.
By attending regular check-ups, we can identify signs of weakness before they progress into bigger problems, like fractures.
If you are experiencing pain from a cracked molar, or notice the symptoms of a crack (pain when biting, for example), don’t delay. The sooner you come in for treatment, the more likely we will be able to save your tooth with minimal treatment needed.
Please call North Thornton Dental to schedule an appointment so the staff at North Thornton Dental can provide quick and compassionate treatment so you can continue to enjoy your smile.
FAQs About Cracked Molars
What are the early signs of a cracked molar?
Early signs include pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity, and occasional sharp discomfort that comes and goes.
Can a cracked molar heal on its own?
No. A cracked tooth will not repair itself. Professional treatment is required to prevent the damage from worsening.
Is a cracked molar always painful?
Not always. Some cracks cause minimal discomfort at first, which is why regular dental check-ups are important.
How urgent is a crack in a molar?
If you are in severe pain, have swelling, or suspect infection, it should be treated as a dental emergency.
How long does it take to fix a cracked molar?
Treatment time depends on the severity. A crown can typically be completed in one or two visits, while more complex cases may require additional care.
