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Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Take a bite of your favorite dish and suddenly, you’re in pain. It’s a cavity, you think, although unlike cavities, the pain in your teeth comes and goes. You may not realize it, but you may have a cracked tooth syndrome.
What are the symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome?
Most people mistake the symptoms of a cracked tooth for a simple cavity. The symptoms, which include pain when biting down or releasing biting pressure, are very similar. Patients with cracked teeth often avoid certain types of foods or purposely chew on only one side of their mouths.
As the pain may only come and go, some people don't see a dentist about it. This can be a big mistake since the proper treatment for a cracked tooth can prevent a root canal or even extraction later. If you have pain or temperature sensitivity in your teeth, you should always call our practice to schedule an appointment to evaluate your teeth and suggest the best treatment for you.
How can I tell if a tooth is cracked?
That's difficult. It may be hard to tell which tooth hurts or even if the pain is coming from a top or bottom tooth. Paying attention to various sensations, such as sensitivity to temperature or whether pain occurs when chewing, will help our dentists determine the cause. Sometimes we may need to perform special tests to help you find the painful tooth.
What causes cracks in teeth?
- Accidents that result in a blow to the mouth
- Tooth grinding or uneven chewing pressures
- Loss of tooth structure from a large cavity, filling or other restoration
- Temperature extremes such as eating hot food and then drinking ice water
- Chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts or hard candy
Cracks in teeth hurt because the pulp within the tooth can be exposed when pressure is applied to the tooth in biting. Gum tissue around the tooth is also irritated. Crowns, root canals, or even extraction are the solutions for badly cracked teeth. The key to avoiding these measures is to catch cracks early. Regular check-ups will help you avoid the costly and often painful consequences of cracked teeth.
