Complete Guide: Identification and Treatment of Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is a common dental problem that can become extremely painful and grow into something much worse if it goes untreated. Early identification of the symptoms of a cracked tooth, along with wide knowledge about their best treatment options are very much important for oral health. To identify a Cracked molar and what are the best ways to deal with it:

Identifying a Cracked Tooth

• Sharp Pain When Biting or Chewing: This could indicate a cracked tooth. The discomfort may come and go, in that it will not be there all the time.
• Temperature Sensitivity: If you feel pain or irritation when consuming hot/cold foods and drinks, a crack is the likely culprit — even if that discomfort lasts long after taking your last sip/bite.
• Swollen Gums Near the Cracked Tooth: Swelling or pain in the gums surrounding a tooth indicates that one of its cracks has reached below your gum line.
• Visible Cracks: While obvious break lines may appear on the tooth, this is not always observable without professional help.

Causes of Cracked Teeth

The reasons why teeth can break are very diverse including the followings:

• Chewing Ice, Nuts or Hard Candies: Teeth are just not made to withstand the kinds of forces generated by these types of snacks.
• Bruxism (grinding): Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, especially when done at night during sleep can cause fractures over time.
• Large Fillings: A tooth with a large filling is structurally weaker and at greater risk of cracking.
• Trauma: events like an auto accident or taking a hard blow or fall to the face can lead to chipped tooth.

How to Fix A Cracked Tooth?

• Dental Bonding: If you have minor cracks, then dental bonding is a great fix for it. It is when a tooth-coloured resin that is bonded to the surface.
• Crown: When a crack is slightly more serious and has not spread to the root, it may be restored with a crown. This will shield the tooth from further damage while repairing its current state of health.
• Root Canal: If the crack is deep enough and extends into the pulp, a root canal may be required to remove infected tissue in order to retain your tooth.
• Extraction: If the crack extends below your gums or you have severe tooth damage, extraction can be necessary. Following an extraction, the tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

A Cracked molar can be quite painful, and if not treated properly could result in additional dental concerns. Orofacial pain can be managed adequately and prevent the person from having good oral health by identifying its symptoms early enough. The number of times you visit the dentist and have regular dental checks ups plus preventive care can either reduce your risk of cracked teeth, or worsen it — thereby promoting long-term dental health.