Key Takeaways
- Stress-related teeth grinding is causing more cracked teeth among Sherman Oaks adults.
- Small cracks often go unnoticed until chewing becomes painful or sensitivity increases.
- Dental crowns in Sherman Oaks are one of the most reliable ways to repair and protect cracked teeth.
- Early treatment prevents deeper fractures, infections, and tooth loss.
- Clove Dental Sherman Oaks offers durable, natural-looking crown solutions for long-term protection.
Are you wondering why your tooth feels sensitive or why it hurts only when you bite down?
Here’s the quick answer: many adults grind their teeth from stress, and small cracks form long before they notice anything.
We see this every week at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks. People come in thinking the pain will go away on its own, but the tooth is already showing signs of stress damage. When cracks deepen, the safest and most long-lasting solution is often dental crowns in Sherman Oaks, which protect the tooth before the damage spreads.
Why Stress Is Causing More Cracked Teeth Than Ever
Daily stress affects more than your mood; it affects your bite. Many people clench their jaws while driving, working, or even sleeping. Over time, that pressure creates tiny lines in the enamel. These small cracks grow each time the teeth grind against each other.
The tricky part is that most cracks are painless at first. This leads many people to ignore the early warning signs, such as:
- A sharp twinge when chewing
- Sensitivity to cold water
- Pressure discomfort on one side
- A faint line you can see in the mirror
By the time the discomfort becomes steady, the tooth is usually weakened. That’s when dental crowns in Sherman Oaks can save it from breaking further.
How a Small Crack Turns Into a Big Problem
When a tooth cracks, the enamel separates slightly. This creates a narrow opening where bacteria, food particles, and pressure can slip in. Each time you chew, the crack flexes like a tiny door.
This movement irritates the nerve inside the tooth, which is why the pain often comes and goes.
If left untreated, cracks can lead to:
- Deep fractures
- Broken cusps
- Infection
- A needed root canal
- Tooth loss
We try to help patients long before the crack reaches that stage. Placing dental crowns in Sherman Oaks early keeps the tooth stable so it can function without pain.
Why a Crown Works So Well for a Cracked Tooth
A crown is more than a cover. It is a custom-shaped cap that surrounds the entire tooth, holding it together so it can’t split further.
Here’s why it’s effective:
1. It Stops the Crack From Spreading
Once the tooth is capped, the enamel no longer flexes when you bite. That stability lets the tooth last for many more years.
2. It Restores Strength
Stress cracks weaken the overall structure. Dental crowns in Sherman Oaks replace the lost strength and prevent chipping.
3. It Protects the Nerve
With constant movement, the nerve becomes irritated. A crown reduces pressure so the nerve can calm down and heal.
4. It Looks Natural
Modern crowns blend with your smile. Many patients tell us they forget the crown is even there.
For deeper cracks, we may pair the crown with other treatments, but in most cases, a crown is the safest and most predictable option.
How We Diagnose Stress-Related Tooth Damage
Some cracks are obvious, but others need special tools to detect. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we check for:
- Lines in the enamel
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity to cold
- Wear marks from grinding
- Chips around the edges
If the crack is shallow, we may monitor it. If the crack reaches the inside layers of the tooth, dental crowns in Sherman Oaks become the recommended treatment.
Catching these issues early makes a big difference in long-term health.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown for a Cracked Tooth
We always explain each step clearly so patients know exactly what will happen.
Step 1: Preparing the Tooth
We remove weakened enamel and shape the tooth so the crown can fit securely.
Step 2: Taking an Impression
This ensures the crown fits perfectly against your bite.
Step 3: Placing a Temporary Crown
You’ll wear this while the permanent one is created.
Step 4: Placing the Final Crown
Your custom crown is bonded in place, restoring comfort and function.
Most patients feel relief right away because the tooth no longer flexes when chewing.
How to Prevent Future Cracks
Once someone cracks one tooth, they’re more likely to crack another if the grinding continues. That’s why we often recommend:
- A custom night guard
- Reducing caffeine before bed
- Relaxation habits
- Avoiding ice chewing
- Regular checkups to spot new cracks early
Strengthening habits now protects your smile for years to come.
We’re Here to Help You Protect Your Smile
Cracked teeth are becoming more common, but they don’t have to lead to tooth loss. With early care and the support of dental crowns in Sherman Oaks, you can restore strength, comfort, and confidence in your bite.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we guide patients through every step so they feel informed, comfortable, and supported. If you’re chewing differently, noticing sensitivity, or seeing faint lines in your teeth, it’s worth getting checked soon.
Your tooth may be telling you it needs protection, and we’re here to help.
FAQs
Why are cracked teeth becoming more common?
Stress-related grinding and clenching put constant pressure on teeth. Over time, this creates tiny cracks that grow deeper, especially if left untreated.
What are the early signs of a cracked tooth?
Early symptoms include sharp pain when chewing, sensitivity to cold drinks, discomfort when biting down, or seeing faint lines on the tooth surface.
Do small cracks always need a crown?
Not always. Very shallow cracks may only need monitoring or a small repair. But deeper cracks usually require a dental crown to stop the damage from spreading.
Why is a crown the best treatment for a cracked tooth?
A crown covers the entire tooth, prevents the crack from widening, reduces nerve irritation, and restores strength so you can chew comfortably again.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel cannot repair itself. Without treatment, cracks often worsen and can lead to infection or tooth loss.
How do dentists prevent future cracking?
Your dentist may recommend a night guard, stress management, avoiding hard foods, and regular checkups to spot new cracks early.