Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Hearing from your dentist that you have a cracked tooth may sound like an extreme problem, but cracked teeth are quite common in adults. The key to successful treatment of cracked teeth is early detection and appropriate treatment.
If you suspect you have a cracked tooth because of symptoms such as pain with biting, pain during chewing, pain that comes and goes, sensitivity to hot or cold or sweets, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist may recommend no treatment if the problem appears minor, a root canal, a crown, or possibly tooth extraction in more severe cases.
Definition, Causes, and Treatment of Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can range from shallow craze lines, which are cracks only in the outer surface of the tooth enamel, to fractures on the chewing surface that have further developed into the root. Cracks can occur in any tooth, but they are most common in molars, teeth with large fillings, and teeth with multiple fillings.
Cracked teeth typically result from biting on hard food, such as popcorn kernels or ice. Other common causes are teeth-clenching and bruxism, a condition characterized by involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep.
Treatment for a cracked tooth and whether or not the tooth can be saved depends on the severity of the crack, whether the crack extends into the root, and the length of time the tooth has been cracked.
Cracked Teeth Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of a cracked tooth vary, depending on the type and severity of the crack. Because pain and other symptoms often come and go, and because X-rays often do not show cracks in teeth, it may be difficult for your dentist to identify the tooth that is causing your issue.
The following are common symptoms you may experience if you have a cracked tooth:
- Pain when chewing, which can be mild to severe, is usually felt after biting down and then releasing your bite. Because the pain often comes and goes, it may be difficult to determine the problem tooth.
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids, as well as sensitivity to sweets, can indicate a cracked tooth.
- Intermittent pain can occur without chewing. In most cases, a cracked tooth does not involve a constant ache. The level of pain will depend on the depth of the crack and whether the pulp is exposed.
- Gum swelling and redness may occur near the cracked tooth. Swelling often means that the crack has injured the tooth pulp, which could lead to infection.
- Pulp infection can occur if a cracked tooth is left untreated. Infection requires immediate treatment to prevent spread to the gums and bone.
Remember that cracks can exist with no symptoms. Symptoms can also be caused by other oral health issues. Your dentist may first need to rule out conditions such as endodontic or periodontal abscess, pericoronitis, sinusitis, hypersensitivity, and bruxism.
Saving a Cracked Tooth
Saving a cracked tooth depends on the overall damage to your tooth and how far the crack has progressed. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier a crack is diagnosed and treated, the more likely you are to have relief from pain and a favorable outcome. Once treated, most cracked teeth remain in good condition for many years of pain-free chewing.