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