Broken Molar: Symptoms, Treatment Options & Costs

A broken molar can be an agonizing experience, usually requiring immediate treatment, and even a cracked molar is considered a dental emergency.

There's a very specific kind of pain that stems from tooth-related issues. Molars in particular are absolutely agonising to deal with. A sharp jolt when you chew, a strange sensitivity when you sip a cold drink, a broken molar tooth is not something you can take lightly. Molars are the most likely of your teeth to crack or break because they are exposed to the highest chewing forces and pressures. It is essential to identify a cracked molar immediately if you are experiencing complications, so you can get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Why Molars Are Prone to Cracking

Your molars are located at the back of your mouth. They are some of your strongest teeth, as they are meant for crushing and grinding food; however, their inherent strength does not make them indestructible. They can still break and crack when too much pressure is applied to them repeatedly. Whether it’s from biting down on something too hard, bruxism, or old fillings that cannot support your enamel anymore, a crack can begin to form.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Chewing hard foods: Ice cubes, nuts, popcorn kernels, or even hard candies can put too much pressure on your molars, which can form cracks.
• Sudden temperature changes: Switching between very hot and very cold foods rapidly will make your enamel expand and contract. This will eventually lead to a fracture if sustained over a long period of time.
• Large fillings: Fillings that have been poorly maintained or are too old can weaken the structure of the remaining teeth and lead to breakage.
• Accidents or dental trauma: Injuries to your jaw or teeth from accidents or strenuous activities can easily break or crack molars and lead to jagged teeth.
• Bruxism: Grinding your teeth at night can also place excessive pressure on your teeth. Bruxism typically damages your anterior teeth the most (depending on the pattern of grinding), but in severe cases, it can significantly wear down your back teeth too.

Never neglect even the smallest cracks in your molars. Even the slightest crack in your molar can eventually lead to it splitting entirely.

Cracked Molar Symptoms: What to Watch For

The pain from a cracked tooth should not be confused with a cavity. Plenty of broken molar tooth cases are symptomless initially, but the pain becomes severe once the fracture has deepened. Some of the symptoms you may experience if you have a broken molar are:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing.
• Sensitivity to heat or cold.
• Occasional pain that is hard to pinpoint.
• Swelling of the gum around the teeth.
• A visible line or chip on the chewing surface.

Occasionally, the discomfort may disappear for days and then suddenly return. This happens because the crack in your molar opens up when pressure is applied, allowing small amounts of fluid to reach your nerve before closing again. If the pain you experience is sudden or sharp, particularly when chewing it’s a pretty clear sign that the crack has reached your dentin or pulp and requires immediate attention.

Types of Cracks in Molars

There are multiple classifications of broken or cracked teeth. Tooth fractures are typically classified based on their severity and location. It’s important to understand these categories so you can know what the appropriate treatment would be.

• Craze lines: Craze lines are the least concerning type of crack, extremely common, and mostly considered a cosmetic issue. They resemble wrinkles on the tooth's surface and rarely require treatment.
• Fractured cusp: Fractured cusps occur when a piece of your tooth's chewing surface breaks off. They can cause some mild sensitivity issues but rarely affect the root of your tooth. A simple crown can usually fix one.
• Cracked tooth: A tooth is classified as a cracked tooth when a vertical crack extends down from your chewing surface to the root, but has not split the tooth entirely yet. A half-broken molar tooth is also considered a cracked tooth. Early treatment is essential so you can prevent the tooth from separating and becoming irreparable.
• Split tooth: A split tooth happens when there is a complete break into multiple distinct sections. Typically irreparable, the solution for a split tooth often boils down to tooth extraction.
• Vertical root fracture: Vertical root fractures start from the root and move upwards. Typically painless until an infection starts to develop. These are particularly difficult to catch, as they don't manifest any visually apparent symptoms until they have become a severe issue.

Treatment Options for a Cracked or Broken Molar

The treatments for a broken molar are entirely dependent on the depth and direction of the fracture. Your dentist will firstly assess the severity of the case and then determine the most appropriate course of action, which may be a simple restoration or complex treatment plans, or outright broken tooth replacement. Some possible treatments include:

• Dental bonding: Dental bonding is best used for small cracks or chips that are not causing complications in the inner layers of your tooth. The treatment involves a tooth colored resin being applied to the crack and then shaped and hardened with light.

It’s a quick and affordable solution that will restore the shape of your tooth and prevent bacteria from seeping in. One downside of dental bonding is that the bonding materials will wear down over time, particularly when applied to molars that are exposed to the most pressure.

• Dental crowns: If your damaged molar has a particularly large crack but an intact root, a dental crown is a solid option for treatment. Your dentist will reshape your tooth and place a custom porcelain, ceramic, or metal cap on it. A properly applied and maintained crown can completely restore functionality and last for more than a decade.
• Root canal therapy: When the damage has extended into the tooth pulp, the pain becomes unbearable, the best solution in this case is a root canal. A root canal will remove infected tissue, clean the canal, and seal it shut before a crown is placed. This will prevent further infections and save your natural tooth.
• Extraction: If your molar has completely split or has a crack that extends below your gum line, extraction may be the only option. Once your broken molar tooth has been removed, you’ll have to look into a replacement to prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place and imbalanced chewing.

It is essential to consult with your dentist as soon as you notice any adverse symptoms developing to ensure a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken Molar Replacement Options

The loss of a molar can severely impair your functionality and lead to many complications down the line. It can completely change the way your jaw aligns and ruin your facial symmetry over time. Luckily, modern day dental advancements have given us countless options for broken tooth replacement. Some of these options include:

Dental implants: Dental implants are considered the most durable and long-lasting replacements for missing teeth. Utilizing titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone and topping them with custom crowns that look and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants prevent a decrease in bone density and can last for decades if properly maintained.

Dental bridges: A dental bridge will anchor an artificial tooth between two crowns that are placed on the neighbouring teeth. Dental bridges are less invasive than implants but are also much less reliable, as they depend on other teeth for support.

Partial dentures: Partial dentures are quite convenient; they are removable and affordable, and will fill any gaps in your teeth. Unfortunately, they do not feel natural and can be quite uncomfortable; despite this, they are still a solid choice for those with budgetary restrictions.

The Cost of Fixing a Cracked or Broken Molar

The cost of treating a broken molar depends entirely on the severity of the crack, the materials required for treatment, and the dentist's expertise and experience level. Here’s a general breakdown of the possible costs:

The cost can vary significantly depending on the location of the clinic, insurance coverage, and whether the use of sedatives or digital scanning is required.

Preserve Your Molars before It’s Too Late

A cracked molar tooth doesn’t always make itself apparent. Sometimes it’s just a slight ache when you chew or a surprise jolt from something cold. But pressure will continue to build inside that tooth regardless of its asymptomatic state, constantly worsening. Eventually, the pain will become so severe that you won't be able to ignore it. It’s best to take action before it gets to that agonizing stage.

Detecting a broken molar early is crucial, whether it's a tiny fissure on the surface or a deeper fracture. Proper dental care can restore strength and function before the damage spreads. Your molars carry a heavy burden; they are responsible for some of the most strenuous tasks in your mouth. Take good care of them now before an extraction becomes the only option.

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