Learn about the symptoms and types of cracked teeth and how endodontists help patients avoid tooth extraction.
How do I know if I have a cracked tooth?
Whether your tooth cracks from an injury or general wear and tear, you can experience a variety of symptoms ranging from erratic pain when you chew your food to sudden pain when your tooth is exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. In many cases, the pain may come and go and your dentist may have difficulty locating the tooth causing the discomfort. If you experience these symptoms or suspect a cracked tooth, it is best to be seen as soon as possible.
What are the benefits of saving my tooth?
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages and is usually preferable to extraction and tooth replacement with dentures, bridges or dental implants. A root treated and restored tooth can help maintain efficient chewing with normal biting force and sensation. They will usually retain a natural appearance and keeping the tooth will protect other teeth from excessive wear or strain.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Tony Appleton will cater treatment to the type, location and extent of the crack. The sooner your tooth is treated, the better the outcome. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function as they should, for many years of pain-free biting and chewing.
How can I prevent my teeth from cracking?
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks:
- Don’t chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a retainer or other mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing contact sports.
After treatment will my tooth completely heal?
Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal. In spite of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate, resulting in loss of the tooth. Placement of a crown on a cracked tooth provides maximum protection but does not guarantee success in all cases.
The treatment you receive for your cracked tooth is important because it will relieve pain and reduce the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.