Cracked Tooth
Winston-Salem, NC
 A cracked tooth can occur for multiple reasons, including teeth grinding, chewing on hard foods, or even aging. This common condition is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in many countries across the globe. Cracked teeth can be concerning for many people in terms of the physical and aesthetic impact on one’s smile.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can occur due to various reasons, including:
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Pressure from teeth grinding
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Large fillings that impact a tooth’s integrity
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Biting or chewing hard or solid foods, such as nuts and ice
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Unfortunate accidents or incidents, such as falls or sports injuries causing blows to the mouth
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Rapid changes of temperature in the mouth
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Aging |
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Although not every cracked tooth produces symptoms, when it does, here are a few common ones that may occur:
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Extreme pain when biting or chewing
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Sensitivity to cold or hot foods
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Swollen gums
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Episodes of extreme pain |
Cracked Tooth Diagnosis
Not everyone with a cracked tooth displays the same typical symptoms, and x-rays also don’t show a cracked tooth. Here are a few things we do to diagnose a cracked tooth:
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The first thing we will do is inquire about your dental history to find out if you grind your teeth or chew a lot of hard or sticky foods.
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Once we know your dental history, we will conduct a visual examination in which we will use a magnifying lens to view all the cracks on your teeth.
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After viewing the cracks, we will use a dental explorer to feel for the crack and see if it catches on the edge.
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We will then use a dental dye to make the crack more prominent and probe your gums for inflammation.
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We will conduct a dental x-ray to check your teeth. While this won’t reveal the crack, it will indicate the presence of a crack.
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In the final step, we will have you bite down. If you experience pain when releasing your bite, you have a cracked tooth. |
Treatment for a Cracked Tooth
The treatment of a cracked tooth depends on the size of the crack, its location, the symptoms you’re displaying, and whether or not the crack extends into the gum line. Depending on all of these factors, we may recommend one of the following treatments:
In some cases, you may not even require any treatment.
The Bottom Line
A cracked tooth is a common occurrence that can be treated via various procedures, saving your tooth and appearance. However, although a crack can be repaired, your tooth will never heal completely. But receiving prompt treatment will definitely save your tooth and prevent infection and further damage.
If you’re looking for dental restoration services near you, visit Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry. Our experienced dentists offer various dental treatments to restore your cracked tooth. For more information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (336) 283-2593.
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