Perhaps if we were able to treat cracked or broken teeth with the ease of treating broken bones, more people would seek treatment promptly. Unfortunately, cracked teeth are often invisible to the outside world, and small enough that, even though they can cause a great deal of pain, those who suffer them feel as if “toughing it out” without treatment is a workable option.
The sad truth about cracked teeth is that, unlike bones, they will never mend without attention from a dental professional. Fractured teeth can lead to tooth decay and serious infection, so it’s critical to have cracked teeth cared for immediately.
Answers To Common Questions About Cracked Teeth
Many people delay treatment of a cracked tooth from lack of knowledge of its nature. Here’s a review of some helpful information about cracked teeth.
What are some causes of cracked teeth?
Most cracked teeth happen because the teeth encounter a strong force – like being hit in the mouth with a basketball or falling face-first on a pool deck – or because the teeth have been weakened by tooth decay, or through a combination of those factors. Other potential causes include biting down on ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy, and bruxism (teeth grinding).
What are common symptoms of cracked teeth?
With a minor crack, you may only know because you can see it or feel it with your tongue. More seriously cracked teeth can result in pain when you bite down, sensitivity to hot or cold substances, or swelling around the tooth.
How does an endodontist treat a cracked tooth?
Treatment for your cracked tooth will depend on the crack. Your general dentist may be able to repair a minor crack using dental bonding. If the crack is more than superficial, particularly if the damage extends to the interior of the tooth, an endodontist may perform a root canal to save the tooth. A root canal removes infected nerve pulp and replaces it with a biocompatible filler material. The process is completed with a crown, which protects the treated natural tooth from infection and decay.
Don’t Ignore Cracked Teeth – Get Seen Today!
A cracked tooth can rapidly escalate from nuisance to emergency. Call the Phoenix Endodontic Group at 602-242-4745 to arrange urgent care for your cracked or broken tooth.