A cracked tooth can happen at any time for any number of reasons. It is a common dental problem, but not always an obvious one. Unless a large visible portion of your tooth breaks off, you may not even know that your tooth is cracked. But a cracked tooth that goes untreated can become a much bigger problem. Be sure you know what to look for with these 5 signs you cracked a tooth.
1. Toothache.
If you experience a toothache in an isolated area of your mouth, it may indicate that a tooth is cracked. A crack in a tooth can allow bacteria to reach the inside tissue and cause an infection, resulting in tooth pain ranging from mild to severe. The longer a tooth infection goes without treatment, the more severe the pain may become and the lower the chances that the tooth can be saved.
2. Pain that Comes and Goes.
You may experience a toothache that bothers you one minute, and not the next. This is a normal sign of a cracked tooth. A crack can allow the nerves to become partially exposed, causing pain that comes and goes.
3. Discomfort When Chewing.
Pain when chewing often indicates a cracked tooth. The damage to the tooth’s external structure can weaken it, and the pressure from chewing can cause discomfort. If the pain is concentrated to a certain part of your mouth, one or more teeth in that area may be cracked.
4. Sensitivity.
If you have extreme sensitivity to cold, heat, or sugar that seems to be concentrated to a single tooth, there may be a crack. Does the sensitivity linger after the aggravator is removed? Residual sensitivity after you are done eating or drinking can indicate that the tooth is cracked.
5. Tooth Discoloration.
A cracked tooth can lead to bleeding inside the tooth. At the center of each tooth is soft tissue called dental pulp, primarily composed of blood vessels and nerves. If a tooth is cracked, especially as a result of trauma, the blood vessels inside the tooth may rupture. The bleeding inside the tooth can make it appear brown or gray, significantly darker than your other teeth.
Treatment For a Cracked Tooth
If your tooth is cracked the common treatment is a root canal and crown.
- Root Canal: A root canal is a procedure that involves the removal of the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth. This removes all of the soft tissue, including the infection. The tooth is filled with a replacement material that prevents further infection.
- Dental Crown: After a root canal a dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect the remaining tooth structure. The natural root remains in place to support the crown.
What To Do If You Think You Have a Cracked Tooth
If you have any of the above signs of a cracked tooth, you should see an endodontist as soon as possible. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating teeth from the inside to save them whenever possible. Your chances of successful treatment and keeping your natural tooth in place improve when you see a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Does my tooth need treatment if I can’t see a crack?
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Even a tiny crack can lead to a tooth infection when it is left untreated. Paying attention to the signs and seeking prompt treatment improves the chances of saving your tooth.
Why can’t a crack be filled?
A filling can be used to fill a crack, but it is not the best option. A filled crack is more likely to worsen and need future treatment. A tooth that is fitted with a crown will last much longer without the need for further treatment in most cases.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have any of the above signs of a cracked tooth, contact Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma. The sooner we can provide treatment, the better the chances of saving your tooth, so don’t wait to see a professional.
Call 405-285-5042 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.