Symptoms of Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth are quite common in adults. Treatment can range from nothing at all to a root canal, a crown, or tooth extraction.
The proper treatment and the ability to save the tooth will depend on the severity, whether it has extended into the root, and any other circumstances.
The successful treatment of a cracked tooth depends on early detection and appropriate treatment. If you believe you may have a cracked tooth, see your dentist soon.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can take different forms, from shallow craze lines in the outer enamel only of the tooth to fractures that extend into the root.
Quite often, these cracks are difficult to see. X-rays might not even identify them, in which case other methods of diagnosis will be employed. Cracks can happen in any type of tooth, but are most common in your molars, or a tooth with a large filling.
Cracks are not preventable, but they are often from biting something hard. Grinding, bruxism, and clenching are also frequent causes.
How Do You Know if Your Tooth is Cracked?
A cracked tooth will exhibit characteristic symptoms, but they may be difficult to clarify. A cracked tooth will usually cause some pain from biting pressure and during chewing, as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. The pain may come and go.
You could see discoloration or even a light brown line running vertically through the tooth. If you experience any of symptoms, make an appointment soon. Left untreated, a cracked tooth will lead to disease and infection.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Cracked Tooth
The symptoms of a cracked tooth vary depending on the severity and type. Due to the inconsistency of the pain and symptoms, and the crack does not show on x-rays, your dentist might have some difficulty locating the specific cause.
Common symptoms are:
- Pain when chewing- With a cracked tooth, you may experience some pain when chewing. This pain is most obvious when biting down. This pain may range from mild to severe. The pain can come and go and could be difficult to locate.
- Temperature and taste sensitivity- A cracked tooth might experience increased sensitivity to cold or hot, as well as sensitivity to even sweets. Sensitivity could feel like mild throbbing or a sharp nerve reaction.
- Intermittent pain- A cracked tooth will not usually create a constant ache. Pain will be evident with chewing or temperature exposure. Depending on the depth of the crack and if any pulp is exposed, intermittent pain can even occur without pressure or chewing.
- Gum swelling- Gum swelling is a common symptom of a cracked tooth and could occur around the fracture. Swelling may be tender to the touch, and redness is possible. Swelling usually indicates that the crack has reached the tooth pulp, resulting in infection of the pulp.
- Infection- A cracked tooth that is left untreated might result in a pulp infection. This will require immediate treatment because the infection will spread to the gums and bone. Besides swelling, you may notice a fever, some increased pain, tender glands, and bad breath.
If you think you could have a cracked tooth, see your dentist right away. The earlier a cracked tooth is diagnosed and treated, the outcome is far more favorable (and extraction is less likely). Once treated, a cracked tooth can function for years.