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.
In general dentistry, fluoride treatments are common. Fluoride is a mineral found in bones and teeth, as well as water, plants, soil, rocks, and air. When used by dentists, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Therefore, dentists generally use fluoride as a preventative treatment against cavities. Additionally, fluoride can be found in most public water supplies. In…
Most parents do not take their children to see a family dentist until they are well over two years of age. Dental professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist within six months after teething starts. Baby teeth often start coming in from six months of age. Continue reading to learn more about children’s…
Are you looking for a CEREC dentist? This type of dental professional offers their patients updated dental technologies, which means patients can get the dental treatment they need quickly and efficiently. When someone needs dental restorations, the quicker they seek treatment, the easier their restoration will be.Thinking about choosing a CEREC dentist to restore your…
Dental implants are highly recommended when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace teeth and their roots. Other prosthetics like dentures and bridges simply replace the visible part of the tooth.Implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw and left there to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The…