The Cracked Tooth Mystery – A cracked tooth can among the hardest things for dentists to diagnose.
This is due to the following reasons:
- A tooth can have an invisible crack
- A cracked tooth might not have a warning or pain
- A cracked tooth can have a radiating pain but pinpointing the actual source of that pain might be difficult.
Sings of a cracked tooth include:
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Pain when you bite down and release something
- Intermittent pain
Since a cracked tooth can have mysterious symptoms and signs, it is important that you visit a reputable dentist for regular checkups. A reputable dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria will diagnose even a small crack in your tooth at his dental practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County. This is very important because without prompt treatment, a small crack can widen over time and eventually lead to a tooth loss.
Tooth Anatomy
Naturally, our teeth are protected by the strongest substance in the human body called the enamel. However, enamel coating can be worn down by many years of grinding and chewing. This exposes the underneath layer of a hard tissue known as dentin. The dentin has a soft tissue layer called the pulp. Pulp is found in the root and crown of our teeth. It has blood vessels and nerves which keep our teeth alive. The root of the teeth is surrounded by a softer material called centum on the outer surface.
Solving the Cracked Tooth Mystery
Craze Lines
Having tiny cracks in our teeth enamel is not an uncommon thing especially in adults. These tiny cracks are known as craze lines. If you have these shallow cracks, you might not experience pain. Craze lines usually do not require treatment. However, they are repaired if they affect your tooth appearance. Dental veneers or bonding are mostly used to repair them.
Fixing a Fractured Cusp
If a tooth has a crack at the top, the crack is known as a fractured cusp. Our teeth are weakened by fractured cusps and a tooth can have part of it break off. Usually, it is possible to repair a fractured cusp by removing the fractured part. Upon removal, the fractured part can be replaced with a crown which is placed over a tooth.
Fixing a Cracked Tooth
When a tooth has a crack that extends from its top surface to the root but it has not caused separation of the tooth into pieces, it can be treated. Treating such a tooth is possible even when the crack extends to the pulp. Root canal can be used to treat such a tooth where the pulp and the nerve are removed. The tooth is usually cleaned inside and sealed before a crown is placed at the top. It is crucial to have a cracked tooth treated as early as possible. Waiting longer before you seek treatment can cause infections.
Fixing a Split Tooth
If a cracked tooth is not treated, the crack can extend down to its root and eventually split the tooth into two or more separate parts. There are times when a tooth portion may be saved. However, a split causes infection to the tooth most of the times. It can also case abscess which might necessitate the removal of the tooth.
Fixing a Vertical Root Fracture
In some cases, a vertical root fracture is not noticed for quite some time before symptoms or signs appear. Basically, a vertical root fracture is a crack that starts from the tooth root extending upwards to the surface of the tooth. Vertical tooth fractures often lead to the infection of gums and the surrounding bone. A fracture is discovered due to the pain that is caused by the infection. When teeth have these fractures, they are usually extracted.
How to avoid a cracked tooth
Naturally, we have strong teeth. Our teeth are capable of holding up well for several years. However, we have to maintain good dental and oral hygiene and make regular visits to a dentist. Grinding, clenching and extreme temperatures as well as biting on hard foods are some of the causes of cracked teeth. Visiting an experienced dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County makes it possible for cracked teeth to be diagnosed and treated promptly thereby preventing infections. Nevertheless, the best way to prevent cracked teeth is following a good regime for oral health and going for dental checkups on regular basis.
Contact us now to book a dental appointment with Dr. Gabe Doria. We will be happy to answer questions that you may have about cracked tooth and other dental services that will enable you to maintain healthy teeth and a naturally beautiful smile.
