Cracked teeth can be quite a common occurrence for patients. It’s usually caused by eating something crunchy or hard and more often than not, the first thing you hear is a tell-tale crack. As a result you may notice that you have a cracked tooth and are in need of cracked teeth treatment.
There are 3 main types of cracked tooth which may cause you pain: Our Manchester emergency dentist explains:
A tooth that has a crack which goes vertically from the chewing surface down towards the root – Diagnosing this early is important so that we have the best chance of saving the tooth to stop the crack spreading further into the root.
A split tooth – This usually happens because a cracked tooth has been left too long and an obvious split now runs down the root. In some instances the tooth can be separated. If this happens, we aren’t able save the whole tooth, although it may be possible to save a portion of the tooth. In addition there’s a strong chance that you’ll need root canal treatment.
A tooth with a vertical root fracture – This means the crack begins in the root of the tooth and runs up towards the chewing surface. This type of crack can be difficult to spot because often it shows little symptoms and is usually only discovered when it becomes infected.
Whatever type of cracked tooth you have, don’t ignore it! Instead it’s important to come and see us quickly to prevent the tooth getting worse or infected. Remember, early diagnosis can be key to saving as much of your tooth as possible.
What causes cracked teeth?
Despite the fact that tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in our bodies, it does have its limits and can crack or break.
Cracked teeth can be caused by a number of reasons, such as playing contact sports without wearing a bite guard, or an accident that caused an unexpected blow to your mouth. It can also be caused by your diet, such as eating hard foods like boiled sweets and crusty bread. Tooth decay that is left untreated can also cause the teeth to weaken, leaving them susceptible to breaking. Finally, if you grind and clench your teeth during the day or while sleeping, this can also cause them to weaken and crack.
So how do I know if I have cracked a tooth?
Aside from the obvious tell-tale crack sound, cracked teeth can present many different symptoms. Often you will have a sharp pain on biting down or it might hurt when eating. You may also experience sensitivity with hot or cold temperatures. Initially, it might even be hard to pin point the tooth causing the problem as the pain can sometimes come and go.
What about cracked teeth treatment?
Treatment for cracked teeth can vary depending on how deep the crack extends, so it really depends on how damaged the tooth is. Treatments can range from repairing the tooth with a filling or, in the case of slight hairline cracks, Dr Karim and the team might consider fitting cosmetic veneers or dental bonding. Alternatively a dental crown may be placed on the tooth to protect it after root canal treatment. If the crack has extended below the gum line, treatment wouldn’t be possible, and extraction and replacement is usually the only solution.
As always, it’s important to have regular check-ups so that any problems such as cracked teeth can be detected and treated early, hopefully before you starting experiencing any pain. However if you think you have cracked a tooth and are in need of cracked tooth repair then give us a call now on 0161 485 7376.