If there is sudden pain in a tooth, a visit to a family dentist can determine if the tooth is cracked. Cracked teeth can occur in various fashions.
Biting into something hard, like the pit of stone fruits, may cause a crack. So could a direct blow, possible in car accidents or street fights. Unassuming causes, like the grinding of teeth and drastic changes in mouth temperature from hot to cold, may also cause a tooth to crack.
Symptoms to beware of if any of the previous scenarios have occurred are various. Pain while chewing, especially upon releasing the bite is typical. Cracked teeth can also become particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures. Enamel, the outer layer of teeth, covers loads of nerve endings which are exposed when teeth are cracked. This explains the phenomena of temperature sensitivity. Throbbing throughout the day and unusual swelling around a tooth are two other symptoms to look out for. Experiencing any of these symptoms is just cause to seek out a family dentist.
The most insignificant type of crack is referred to as a craze line. This crack of the enamel is superficial, typically asymptomatic and not requiring treatment. Fractured cusps are cracks that typically happen around a previous filling. If they do not penetrate to the core of the tooth, they can also be painless and not require treatment.
Vertical cracks that extend down to the gum line are much more serious, usually causing symptoms that require treatment to resolve. Cracks can also rise vertically from the root. If these cracks become infected, they may be cause for extraction. Otherwise they are usually asymptomatic.
Diagnosing a cracked tooth is notoriously difficult. There are some common methods. The dentist will take a look at the patient under proper light and magnification while asking about the patient’s history, i.e., have they experienced any of the common causes and symptoms. A tool may also be used to probe for the crack or locally inflamed gums which might signify a vertical crack. If a bite test reveals nothing but the dentist is still concerned, they may employ a dye test. X-rays are relatively ineffective in discovering cracked teeth.
The treatment a family dentist will resort to depends on the severity of the cracked tooth. Some cracks can be repaired by bonding the crack with a plastic resin. In other cases, a crown is required. This typically involves shaving off some enamel to fit the crown. If soft tissue in the tooth’s core has been damaged, the dentist may prescribe a root canal to prevent the tooth from growing weaker. The worst-case scenario is the tooth must be extracted.
Whether they occur as the result of direct contact, grinding or rapid cooling, cracked teeth can be very painful insecure cases. Symptoms to look out for are pain when releasing pressure while chewing and sensitivity to extreme temperatures. When they come up dentists have various methods for diagnosing and treating cracked teeth which vary with the severity of the crack.
Are you considering a family dentist in the Hamilton area? Get more information at https://www.bridgewaterfamilydental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one of the most efficient ways to save decaying or damaged teeth. Many individuals, however, get anxious when they learn they need it. This is mostly due to the widespread misconception that undergoing endodontic treatment is unpleasant. It is incorrect —…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…
Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one…
Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
In the unlikely event that you suffer from a significant laceration to the inner mouth,…
You should know the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal, so you…