A cracked tooth can be a result of chewing on hard foods, teeth grinding, and can even occur as people age. This condition is common and can lead to tooth loss. Locating where the cracked tooth can be quite tricky for the dentists, especially when it is small and the pain associated with it, often comes and go. When left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to more dental problems, pain, and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
Some people have cracked teeth without them realizing it because it does not often cause any symptoms. There are some types of cracks in the tooth that do not necessarily require treatment and are harmless. However, if a person experiences the following symptoms, they may have a more extensive type of crack that will require dental treatment:
- Pain when chewing, biting, and eating
- Recurring pain
- Discomfort around the teeth and gums that is hard to determine
- Swelling of the gums around the cracked tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
What causes the tooth to crack?
- Blows to the mouth due to accidents, injury, fall, or fistfight
- Pressure from teeth grinding
- Chewing or biting hard foods
- Sudden changes in the temperature of the mouth
- Dental fillings that are so large that it weakens the remaining tooth structure
- Age
Types of cracked teeth
Craze lines
This type of crack in the tooth is tiny cracks in the enamel of teeth. They do not usually cause any pain and does not necessarily require any treatment.
Split tooth
This is a type of crack that travels from the surface of the tooth to the gum line. This crack splits the tooth in two. The dentist can only save a portion of the tooth structure and is usually restored with a crown.
Vertical root fracture
This type of crack usually begins below the gum line, extending toward the crown. It does not often exhibit any signs of pain unless the tooth becomes infected. When the tooth becomes infected, the tooth is more likely to be removed.
Fractured cusp
It usually occurs around a dental filling. It will not affect the pulp of the tooth, and as a result, it will not cause much pain.
Cracks that extend into the gum line
When the tooth has a vertical crack but has not reached the gum line, the tooth is still savable. However, if the crack has extended into the gum line, the cracked tooth must be pulled out. To save the tooth, it is best to seek immediate treatment.
You deserve outstanding dental care services! We provide Cracked Tooth Repair in Clayton, CA. Book your appointment with us at The Grove Family Dentistry, and let us help you achieve beautiful and healthy teeth!