Cracked/Broken Tooth in Raleigh, NC
Did you know that tooth enamel (the outer surface of your teeth) is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance in your body? Tooth enamel is stronger than your bones. Although they are tough, teeth can still crack or fracture just like bones do. Continue reading to understand advice, diagnosis or treatment of cracked teeth.
What Causes a Cracked/Broken Tooth?
There are many reasons a tooth might crack or break. These reasons are:
- – Biting on hard foods like ice, hard candies, and nuts
- – Jaw clenching or grinding
- – Unevenly Chewing
- – Loss of tooth structure from wear
- – Exposure to extreme temperature
- – Brittleness of teeth following a root canal
How do I Know if I Cracked My Tooth?
Unfortunately, identifying a type of cracked tooth by yourself is pretty tricky. Often, the hairline fractures may be nearly invisible to the human eye. At times, these tiny cracks cannot be seen on X-Rays. However, there are five significant warning signs of a cracked/broken tooth of which you should be aware:
#1 Tooth pain when chewing. Pain is a good indicator of a cracked tooth, although you might not experience it all the time. It may only happen when you eat certain foods or bite down a certain way.
#2 Lack of persistent Pain. If the pain in your tooth comes and goes, whereas, unlike tooth decay, the pain is constant. If you are not experiencing persistent pain, you likely have a cracked/broken tooth.
#3 Sensitivity. Experiencing pain when biting into hot foods or cold liquids. You may also experience sensitivity while eating sticky, sweet, or sour foods.
#4 Infection. A cracked tooth can lead to an infection along the gum line in the fracture area. This infection looks like a small bump on the gum near the tooth.
#5 No visible signs. With a cavity, you can often spot a dark spot on the tooth’s surface or a hole where the enamel has eroded. If you have tooth pain but cannot see any obvious signs, it may indicate a cracked tooth.
How is a Cracked Tooth Treated?
Treatment for a cracked/broken tooth depends on the severity and location. Tiny cracks called craze lines are common in teeth and typically do not require any treatment. However, cracks that affect the cusp of a tooth may require a treatment procedure – possibly a dental crown.
Roughly 20% of cracked teeth require a root canal, and in some severe cases, the damaged tooth may need to be removed altogether. If that is the case, Dr. Hancock will replace the tooth with an implant or a bridge.
What Should I Do If I Have Cracked/Broken Tooth in Raleigh?
Early treatment is essential with a cracked or split tooth. If not treated immediately, the crack will worsen and may result in tooth loss. If you discover a cracked tooth or you are experiencing any tooth pain, contact HH Hancock Endodontist in Raleigh, North Carolina.
At our practice, you receive the finest endodontic care possible. Our goal is to provide unsurpassed quality in a compassionate environment and save your natural teeth. We strive to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Please, give us a call.