Cracked Tooth Syndrome
If you have been experiencing some tooth pain, have you wondered if you could have a cracked tooth? You may notice a sharp pain when you bite down, but the pain goes away quickly. You might feel like you can only chew on one side of your mouth, or you might avoid some foods that bother your teeth. If you are experiencing these symptoms, a cracked tooth might be to blame.
What causes a tooth to crack?
A tooth may crack due to:
- chewing on hard objects (e.g pencil) or foods (e.g ice, nuts or hard candy);
- grinding and clenching your teeth;
- uneven chewing pressure;
- an accident, such as a blow to the mouth;
- loss of a sizable portion of tooth structure through wear or large fillings;
- brittleness of teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
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How can you tell if a tooth is cracked?It could be difficult. You might have trouble pinpointing which tooth hurts or whether the pain is coming from a top or bottom tooth. A crack may appear as a hairline fracture, running vertically along the tooth. And it might be invisible to the eye and often not shown on an X-ray. You can help your dentist determine which tooth is causing the problem by noting when and where you have sensitivity to heat or cold as well as approximately where the pain is when you are chewing.
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How to treat a cracked tooth?Simple Crack:
The treatment for most cracked teeth involves removing the weakened cusp and placing a large filling or crown (cap) on the tooth... Complex Crack: If the crack has progressed to the pulp, root canal treatment may be needed before the crown or filling is put in place. Root canal treatment requires two or three additional appointments. If the crack propagates down all the way to the root, the tooth not be savable and would require to be removed. Your dentist will determine the best treatment for you depends on the situation. |
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Tiny cracks are common and usually do not cause problems. Regular dental checkups are important. They allow your dentist to diagnose and treat problems in the early stage. If you continue to have pain, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and call us at Rockyview Dental and our dentists will be more than happy to help you.
