Managing Small Cracks in Teeth
Here is a quick guide about managing small cracks in teeth.
Teeth should last a lifetime. However, they can get damaged or even broken due to the stress they endure. The outer surface of a tooth consists of enamel, which happens to be the toughest material in the body. Cracked enamel can lead to pain and discomfort when chewing or drinking hot or cold beverages. A dentist can undertake several treatment plans, depending on the damage sustained by the tooth.
Here is a quick guide about managing small cracks in teeth.
How to detect a cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can result in bursts of pain when chewing. This pain can also be felt when the teeth encounter varying temperatures. Because the discomfort is transient, the dentist may find it challenging to locate the affected tooth.
Why does it hurt so much?
Understanding a tooth's anatomy helps identify the root cause of the pain. The inner tissue, known as the pulp, is composed of nerves and blood vessels. When the enamel is damaged, chewing can cause tooth parts to move around, affecting the pulp. This can lead to inflammation, and the pulp may eventually be unable to heal itself.
Treatment of cracked teeth
There are various types of cracked teeth. Treatment will depend on where they are located and the extent of the damage. First, let's explore some standard treatment options:
Craze lines
These tiny cracks only affect the tooth's outer enamel. They are pretty standard and are mostly harmless. These types of cracks don't require a treatment plan.
Fractured cusp
A fractured cusp occurs if a piece of the tooth breaks off. This break occurs on the chewing surface and typically around a cavity filling. It rarely damages the pulp and therefore doesn't cause much pain.
A dentist will care for a fractured cusp by replacing the filling or fitting a crown to protect the tooth. Biting a clean, damp cloth will help shield the tooth until a dentist can check it.
Cracked tooth
A cracked tooth is a break that extends from the chewing surface to the root. Although the tooth hasn't separated into pieces, the crack will spread if left untreated. Therefore, seeing a dentist immediately after the crack becomes noticeable is crucial.
If the pulp is affected, the practitioner must perform a root canal and place a crown to save the tooth. However, if the crack extends past the gum line, it's beyond saving and will have to be extracted.
Protect the teeth
Everyone should take care of their teeth. Visiting a dentist regularly is the best way to do so. Any potential problems will be caught early and treated before they result in tooth loss.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
