What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth occurs when a tooth develops a break or fracture due to damage or stress.
Cracks may range from minor, painless lines to severe fractures that split the tooth or extend into the root.
Upper front teeth and lower jaw molars are commonly affected.
Left untreated, a cracked tooth can result in infections, tooth loss, or severe health complications.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of a Cracked Tooth?
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Swelling around the tooth or gums.
- Persistent toothache in severe cases.
Causes:
- Age-related wear and tear.
- Biting complex substances like ice or candy.
- Dental treatments such as large fillings without crowns.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Dental trauma from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
How Is a Cracked Tooth Diagnosed?
At Pawar Dental, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and evaluate cracked teeth. Techniques include:
- Visual and tactile inspection for cracks.
- Light transillumination to highlight fractures.
- X-rays and 3D CT scans to assess damage and detect bone loss.
- Specialized tests, including staining dyes and periodontal probes.
In complex cases, we refer patients to our in-house endodontist for expert care.
How is Cracked Teeth Treated?
Treatment depends on the crack’s severity and location.
Options include:
- Dental Bonding: Fills cracks with tooth-colored resin.
- Contouring: Smooth rough edges to restore comfort.
- Crowns and Veneers: Protect and strengthen cracked teeth with durable caps or custom shells.
- Root Canal: Removes infected pulp if the crack reaches the inner tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: Replace them with implants or bridges for severely damaged teeth.
How Can I Prevent a Cracked Tooth?
- Maintain proper oral hygiene and schedule routine dental check-ups.
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice or hard candy.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or activities prone to falls or impacts.
- Address teeth grinding with a custom night guard.
Contact Pawar Dental and General Hospital Today!
Don’t let a cracked tooth affect your smile or well-being. At Pawar Dental, we offer expert care to repair and safeguard your teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier smile!
