Crack tooth syndrome is a dental problem many people experience, and it can make them have sore teeth or even make the teeth more susceptible to other dental ailments if not treated properly. It is possible to consider the following steps for protecting your dental health: learning the signs or symptoms, understanding the diagnostic process, and learning about the treatments.
Cracked Tooth Symptoms
- The signs of a cracked tooth depend on the extent and area of the crack. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Pain When Chewing or Biting: A cracked tooth can also cause pain when applying pressure, such as when chewing or biting an object. The pain may be mild at some time and may increase when the crack further extends.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: The patient may also deal with pain or tenderness when you are consuming hot or cold products. This is so because the whole nerve is irritated by this crack;
- Visible Crack or Chip: Occasionally, the crack is apparent even to the naked eye; this is common where the crack is wide or present on the tooth's surface.
- Pain That Comes and Goes: A cracked tooth may produce an intermittent, sudden, sharp pain that occurs while applying pressure while chewing or biting and disappears when pressure or stress is relieved.
- Swelling of the Gums: When it is big enough, it infiltrates the base of the tissue, causing the gums to swell or become sensitive in the area surrounding a specific tooth.
Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth
- Visual Examination: A dentist Albany, will assess the condition by checking if the patient's teeth have any apparent cracks or chips or show signs of premature wear. However, there are cases of cracks that may be minute and which may be unnoticed initially.
- Transillumination: This technique utilises light to enhance the visibility of invisible cracks on structures that would otherwise be impossible using ordinary techniques.
- Bite Test: The dentist may then ask the patient to bite on a special tool that causes pain to locate the crack.
Cracked Tooth Treatment
Treatment of the cracked tooth depends on the type of crack and its location in the mouth. Common treatments include:
- Bonding: For small and shallow hairline cracks, bonding material can be used to fill up the crack and make this tooth aesthetically and functionally whole again. That's why it is a rather fast operation, which is also not very invasive.
- Crown: In this case, if the crack is slightly deeper but not to the extent that it can't be restored, the dentist may advise a crown. A crown is a type of dental restoration in which a cap is placed on the entire tooth to get support and protection from the remaining part of the tooth.
- Root Canal: If the crack extends down to the pulp of the tooth, then the dental pulp may need to be removed and the tooth root filled with a canal. Occasionally, there will be a considerable loss of tooth structure due to very large decay, endodontic treatment, or fracture, so the tooth will be crowned afterwards.
- Extraction: Where tooth restoration is not possible, extraction may be required if other treatments are not feasible. After the extraction, your dentist Albany WA will explain alternatives for replacement, including a dental implant or a bridge.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
Reducing the following habits will help to protect cracked teeth: Do not chew on something hard, such as ice, pen, candy, or any substance of similar quality. If you are a teeth grinder, having a mouth guard ensures your teeth are not worn out at night.
Therefore, people with cracked teeth need to seek professional dental clinic in Albany
assistance because the teeth may become more painful or worsen. Learning about the signs, getting a diagnosis, and searching for a solution will help maintain your oral health.