Did you know that teeth are stronger than steel? Unfortunately, they can break much easier, though. Cracks in the tooth can happen for many reasons, however, some patients don’t even know they have this condition. Read more to find out about this common dental issue.
Here is a list of common causes for cracked teeth:
- Physical injury — Trauma to the face or mouth due to physical activity
- Bruxism — Frequent grinding or clenching teeth can crack teeth
- Poor bite — Teeth are poorly aligned, causing uneven chewing
- Hot or cold foods — Sudden changes in the temperature of the mouth
Symptoms Of A Cracked Tooth
If you’re experiencing pain when chewing or if your teeth become sensitive to temperature, you may have a cracked tooth. Other symptoms include:
- Pain when biting food
- Extreme pain while eating sour or sweet food
- Sensitivity to acidic food or drink
- Swollen, red gums around the affected teeth
Fortunately, there are several procedures used to fix a cracked tooth:
- Root canal — If the chip is large enough to expose the center of the tooth, bacteria may infect the pulp. A root canal cleans the dead pulp and root out of the tooth before sealing it up tightly.
- Dental crown — If a large piece of the tooth breaks off, a dental crown can protect the tooth and restore its appearance
- Dental filling or bond — If a small piece of tooth enamel is chipped, the dentist will repair it with a filling called bonding. Tooth-colored resin is bonded to the tooth and shaped to look normal before the resin is hardened by ultraviolet light.
If you suspect you have a damaged tooth or have any other dental concerns, please call our office so we can have you seen as soon as possible. Until we see you again, have a great day!