A cracked tooth isn’t always obvious. Sometimes there is a visible fracture, but in many cases the tooth looks completely normal and the first sign is an occasional sharp pain when biting or sensitivity to hot and cold.
Because cracks can worsen over time, it’s worth having a troublesome tooth checked rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe.
## What causes a tooth to crack?
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they aren’t indestructible. A crack can develop from biting something unexpectedly hard, an accident or sporting injury, teeth grinding or clenching, or simply from the stresses a tooth experiences over many years.
Teeth with large existing fillings may also have less natural tooth structure remaining and can sometimes be more vulnerable to fracture.
## What does a cracked tooth feel like?
The symptoms vary considerably depending on where the crack is and how far it extends.
You might notice:
– A sharp pain when biting or chewing
– Pain when you release your bite
– Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
– Discomfort that comes and goes
– A tooth that suddenly feels uncomfortable when eating harder foods
– A rough or broken area of the tooth
One of the frustrating things about a cracked tooth is that the discomfort can be intermittent. You may be able to eat normally most of the time, only to experience a sudden sharp pain when you bite in a particular direction.
## Why can a cracked tooth be difficult to diagnose?
Not every crack can be easily seen.
Very fine cracks may be difficult to identify with the naked eye, and symptoms can sometimes seem to move between neighbouring teeth. Your dentist may need to examine the tooth carefully, check your bite and symptoms, and take dental X-rays where appropriate.
An X-ray does not necessarily show the crack itself, but it can provide useful information about the tooth and surrounding tissues.
## Does every cracked tooth need a crown?
No. Treatment depends on the type, position and extent of the crack.
A small chip may simply require smoothing or a filling. A more substantially weakened tooth may benefit from a crown or another restoration designed to protect the remaining tooth structure.
If a crack has reached the pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth — root canal treatment may sometimes be required before the tooth is restored.
Unfortunately, some cracks extend so deeply that the tooth cannot predictably be saved. This is one reason earlier assessment can be important.
## What happens if you leave a cracked tooth untreated?
Teeth do not heal cracks in the same way that a broken bone heals.
A small crack may remain stable, but it can also become larger with continued chewing forces. If bacteria reach the inside of the tooth, inflammation or infection can develop.
Symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, fever, a bad taste in the mouth or facial swelling require prompt assessment.
## What should you do if you think you’ve cracked a tooth?
Try to avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side until the tooth has been assessed. If a piece of tooth has actually broken off, keep the fragment and bring it with you to your appointment if possible.
Most importantly, don’t rely on the pain disappearing as evidence that the tooth is fine. Dental problems can sometimes progress even when symptoms temporarily settle.
## Experiencing pain when you bite?
If you’re experiencing unexplained sensitivity, pain when chewing, or think you may have chipped or cracked a tooth, a dental examination can help determine what’s happening and whether treatment is required.
At Pure Bliss Dental Care in Rochedale South, we can assess the tooth and discuss the treatment options appropriate to your individual situation.
Pure Bliss Dental Care
Rochedale South, QLD
Call NOW or BOOK ONLINE for a consultation!
*This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual dental advice. Treatment recommendations depend on examination and diagnosis.*
