Teeth might be tough, but they’re not impervious to wear and tear, and just as they can chip, loosen and even fall out, occasionally they can crack.
Depending on the circumstances, that crack might be invisible to the naked eye and it could even be so fine a fracture that’s tricky for a dentist to diagnose.
So how do you know if you’ve cracked a tooth and what happens if you do?
Signs you may have a cracked tooth
While a chipped, broken tooth or missing tooth is pretty easy to spot, a crack can be a little more challenging. That’s particularly the case if the crack is too fine to identify in X-Rays or falls beneath the gumline.
For many people, the first clue of a cracked tooth tends to show up in the form of pain or tooth sensitivity.
Your tooth might hurt when you bite down on something, or it might be more sensitive to hot and cold foods, but either way it’s a sign you should consult your dentist.
How did it happen?
Teeth can crack for a number of reasons. It might be as simple as biting down on something hard, or it could be a sign there’s decay, especially when it comes to molars.
Meanwhile, teeth that have undergone root canals are sometimes more prone to cracking and they those poor pearly whites can also crack due to grinding, clenching or simply because they constantly wear against each other due to a misaligned bite
What should you do?
If you have a sneaking suspicion there’s something amiss with a tooth, it’s time to see your dentist. The sooner a problem can be identified the easier it is to fix.
That’s definitely the case with a cracked tooth which might be more susceptible to future decay, tooth discolouration and even loss if it’s left untended.
Treatment options
The type of treatment your dentist suggests will depend on which tooth is cracked, the severity of the fracture, and the likelihood it will crack again or deteriorate further.
Common treatment options include bonding in simple cases, replacing the cracked portion, root canals for molars and pre-molars, and/or crowns if required.
In rare, severe cases your dentist might also recommend the removal of the affected tooth and will then work with you to decide if an implant or bridge is the best replacement option.
The bottom line is, don’t delay seeking dental help. You and your dentist are the best people to decipher when something’s not right with a tooth. Even if it’s a hard to find that fracture, flagging a possible tooth problem with your dentist is the best way to ensure the ongoing health of your teeth.
About Brite Dental
Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.
Offering a full range of dental services ranging, from children’s dentistry through to high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.
You can learn more about our dental services, or contact us to book your next appointment.
