Cracked Tooth: Causes and Treatment
If you have noticed a crack in your tooth, you are experiencing a cracked tooth syndrome (CTS), also known as a fractured tooth. A cracked tooth is common, especially in children and older people. It is often painless and unrecognizable, but might sometimes be painful depending on how deep the crack runs.
What causes a tooth to crack?
The most common cause of a tooth crack is age. This is because as you grow older, the teeth become brittle, making it easier for them to crack or break. This is why most people above 50 years have cracked teeth. Additionally, your teeth can crack from biting hard foods like candy and nuts. Habitually chewing gum and ice can also cause your teeth to crack.
You can also get a tooth crack from grinding your teeth regularly or from traumas such as accidents, sports injuries, or physical violence.
What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
Often, a cracked tooth will exhibit no symptoms. However, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Irregular pains, especially when chewing or biting
- Swelling around the cracked tooth
How can you treat a cracked tooth?
When you notice a crack in your tooth, the first step would be to visit a dentist. The dentist will do a dental examination and ask you questions to determine the cause of the tooth crack. Treatment is done depending on the position and the extent of the damage. The treatment procedures include:
Bonding
In bonding, the dentist will use plastic resin to fill the fracture.
Veneer
This is a thin covering of plastic or porcelain put over the tooth to cover the crack.
Crown
The dentist might decide to fit a ceramic or porcelain cap over the cracked tooth if the crack is too wide, making the veneer treatment impossible.
Root canal
If the crack has extended into the pulp, the dentist might decide to remove the pulp to prevent further weakening, a process known as a root canal.
Extraction
In the extreme case that the crack has damaged the roots and nerves of your tooth, the tooth can be removed completely.
Fix your cracked tooth today
Don’t wait until your tooth crack is too damaged to repair. At Wytheville Dental Group, we can help. Our expert dentists will provide the procedures mentioned above using the latest technology. Contact us today for all your dental needs. We are happy to help.
