Symptoms of Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is prevalent in adults. Treatment can vary from doing nothing at all to a dental crown, a root canal, or an extraction.
The correct treatment and the ability to retain the tooth will depend on the severity, how far the crack has progressed, and other similar circumstances.
The successful treatment for a cracked tooth depends on early detection and the correct treatment. If you believe you may have a cracked tooth, visit your dentist soon.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can take several different forms, from tiny craze lines just in the outer enamel of the tooth to serious fractures that advance down into the root.
These cracks can often be difficult to see. X-rays might not identify them, so other tactics of diagnosis will need to be used. Cracks occur in all teeth, but are most frequent in molars, or a tooth with a large filling.
Cracks are not totally preventable, but they are often the result of biting something hard. Grinding and clenching are frequent sources.
How Do You Know if Your Tooth is Cracked?
A cracked tooth will present symptoms, but they are difficult to clarify. A cracked tooth might cause some pain or discomfort during biting and chewing, as well as increased sensitivity to heat or cold. The pain could come and go.
You may see discoloration or a light brown line running vertically on the tooth. If you experience any symptoms, make an appointment soon. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can easily lead to disease and infection.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Cracked Tooth
The symptoms of a cracked tooth can differ depending on the kind and severity. Because of the inconsistency of pain and symptoms, and the crack is not immediately evident with X-rays, your dentist might have some difficulty determining the specific cause. Common symptoms are:
- Pain while chewing- With a cracked tooth, you might experience intermittent pain or discomfort when chewing. This pain is more evident when biting down. The pain will range from mild to severe. The pain can come and go and be difficult to locate.
- Intermittent pain- A cracked tooth often does not create a constant ache. Pain is present with chewing or temperature. Depending on both the depth of the crack and the exposure of any soft tissue pulp, intermittent pain can occur without chewing pressure.
- Temperature and taste sensitivity- A cracked tooth can experience sensitivity to both hot and cold, and even sweets. Sensitivity might feel like mild throbbing or a nerve reaction.
- Infection- A cracked tooth left untreated may result in an infection in the pulp. This will require immediate treatment since the infection may spread to your gums and bones. Besides swelling, you could notice a fever, increased pain, tender glands, and bad breath.
- Gum swelling- Gum swelling is a common symptom of a cracked tooth and can occur around the fracture. Swelling might be tender to the touch, and redness is possible. Swelling quite often means that the crack has reached the soft pulp, causing an infection.
If you think you could have a cracked tooth, visit your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner your cracked tooth is examined and treated, a successful result is more favorable. A cracked tooth will function for years if treated on time.
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