Cracked Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Prompt Dental Solutions
If you feel pain when chewing, or if your tooth is sensitive to heat or cold, your tooth could be cracked. Your risk of cracked teeth can increase as you age. It’s also more common to suffer a cracked tooth if you chew hard foods or grind your teeth at night. If you suspect you may have a cracked tooth, make an appointment with a dentist. A damaged tooth can lead to pain and other oral health problems if left untreated.
What are the Causes of a Cracked Tooth?
Cracked teeth can develop for many reasons, from a physical injury to a large filling that may have weakened the remaining tooth structure. Physical injuries to the mouth and grinding of the teeth can also cause cracks to develop.
Sudden changes in temperature in the mouth can occasionally cause a tooth to crack. For example, if you drink a very hot cup of coffee that burns your mouth, followed by ice-cold water.
Finally, getting older can naturally increase your risk of developing a cracked tooth. The majority of teeth cracks occur in adults age 55 or older.
What are the Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth?
In some instances, a cracked tooth may not initially cause physical symptoms. It’s common for people to have cracked teeth without knowing it. Minor cracks that don’t cause symptoms may not require treatment. However, if you begin experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, dental treatment should be promptly sought:
- Swelling of the gums around the cracked tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Pain that tends to come and go
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold
- Teeth that are suddenly sensitive to sweets
- Discomfort around the gums and teeth that’s difficult to pinpoint
What Is the Treatment for a Cracked Tooth?
Diagnosing a tooth crack can be challenging as cracks are not always visible to the naked eye. Your dentist may use an instrument called a dental explorer to look for signs of a tooth crack, such as rough or cracked edges on a tooth. Your dentist may also recommend an X-ray, although they do not always show where cracks have formed.
Depending on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend several treatment options. Bonding may be a suitable fix for minor cracks. During this procedure, your dentist will fill the crack with a plastic resin to restore the tooth’s look and function.
If the crack is more substantial, a root canal can be used to remove the damaged pulp, treat any existing infection, and restore the tooth’s integrity. Once a root canal has been performed, a dental crown is often put over the restored tooth to prevent further damage. In severe situations, an extraction may be recommended.
Recover Your Smile with Help from Vero Elite Dentistry
If you believe your tooth may be cracked, we can help! Call our office today at 772.569.9700 to schedule an appointment.