Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Have you recently noticed pain in your tooth? Does your tooth feel more sensitive than it used to? These are a couple of the symptoms of a cracked tooth.
Below is more information about the symptoms of a cracked tooth, along with what leads to cracks in teeth, treatment options, and prevention.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
The easiest symptom of a cracked tooth to spot is a visible fracture in the tooth. With that said, a crack in the tooth isn’t always immediately visible. Some of the other symptoms of a cracked tooth to look out for include:
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Sensitivity
- Ongoing pain in your tooth
- Swelling
Why Is My Tooth Cracked?
There are a few different reasons why your tooth may be cracked. These include:
- Bruxism (clenching and grinding of the teeth)
- Chewing on hard objects
- Trauma
- Biting into hard foods
- Age
Can My Cracked Tooth Be Treated?
Often, a cracked tooth can be treated. Some common treatment options for cracked teeth include:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a procedure that involves the use of a tooth-colored resin to restore the cosmetic appearance of the cracked tooth.
- Dental veneer: A dental veneer is a prosthetic that helps to restore a slightly more fractured tooth. It is natural-looking and more durable than bonding.
- Dental crown: A dental crown is a prosthetic that replaces most or all of a patient’s tooth crown. It provides the highest level of protection and is very durable.
Your dentist will do everything they can to preserve as much of your healthy tooth as possible. With that said, if the crack is too severe and/or there is a bad infection, your dentist may need to extract the tooth.
As cracks continue to develop over time, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as you notice a crack in your tooth or the symptoms of a cracked tooth. From there, they can examine the tooth and put together a treatment plan.
Preventing a Cracked Tooth
There are a few easy things that you can do to prevent a cracked tooth. These include:
- Brush twice a day, floss, and rinse
- Stop chewing on hard objects like pens or hard candy
- Cease the use of tobacco products
- Purchase and wear a night guard if you suffer from bruxism
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
It’s important to keep in mind that sometimes cracks cannot be prevented (such as in the case of accidents). With that said, following the tips above will significantly lower your chances of cracking your tooth.
Reach Out Today
If you have begun to notice the symptoms of a cracked tooth that are listed above, reach out today to set an appointment with a top dentist. The sooner the better. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination, determine the underlying issue, and put together a plan of treatment to address both the symptoms of the cracked tooth and the damage to the tooth itself.