How a General Dentist Treats a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can result from grinding and clenching the teeth or chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candy. There are numerous other reasons why teeth crack. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving it untreated can lead to many other serious problems.

Cracked tooth

It can be difficult to tell if a tooth is cracked and the symptoms may vary. Sometimes, a cracked tooth may not produce symptoms. Some people usually have cracked teeth without even realizing it. But some common symptoms of a cracked tooth include pain when eating, especially when biting or chewing, swollen gums around it, or sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweetness. It is also common for people to experience pain that tends to come and go or discomfort around the teeth and gums that is difficult to pinpoint.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a cracked tooth is not always easy. In some cases, X-rays may not reveal a cracked tooth, and not every patient has typical symptoms. But if a crack is not visible, the dentist may attempt to make a diagnosis by asking questions about the symptoms and the patient’s dental history. Depending on the situation, the dentist may want to find out whether the patient chews on a lot of hard foods or grinds the teeth.

The dentist may examine the teeth looking for tiny cracks. This will be done with the aid of a magnifying lens. Using a dental explorer, the dentist may feel for the crack by running it over and under the tooth. Dental dye can help to make the crack more visible. The dental provider may examine the gums for any signs of inflammation.

Cracks in teeth usually irritate the gums. The patient may also be asked to bite down on something. This will help to identify the source of the pain. There are many other techniques and tools the dentist can use to make a correct diagnosis.

Treatment

The extent of the damage and location of the crack will be considered before choosing a treatment option. Treatment is not necessary in a case where the crack is tiny and does not cause discomfort. But some types of cracks require treatment. Treatments for cracked teeth include using a filling or crown or gluing the broken or chipped part of the tooth back on.

The crack can also be repaired with plastic resin in a process referred to as bonding. In severe cases, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment. This is usually when a crack has penetrated the tooth’s pulp. A severely cracked tooth will have to be extracted.

Takeaway

Cracked teeth often cause many problems, especially if they are left untreated. Different procedures can help a dentist to save a cracked tooth. The right treatment will be determined by a number of factors, including the size and location of the crack. But seeking treatment promptly increases the chances of saving your tooth. If you have a cracked tooth, visit your dentist right away to find out what can be done for it.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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