A fractured tooth which is also known as a cracked tooth represents a serious dental issue that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of a cracked tooth can range anywhere from light discomfort during chewing to extreme pain or complete tooth loss.
Therefore you need to always go for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment that helps to protect the tooth while preventing additional dental problems.
In this blog, we’ll examine the root causes and symptoms of fractured teeth and explain how they are diagnosed and treated. Additionally, we will know how Dr. Aishwarya, the most trusted dentist in Patna, can restore your dental health through expert care and compassionate service. Before we dive deeper, let’s take a moment to understand what a cracked tooth really is.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth happens when your tooth develops a crack which remains unseen to the naked eye yet can lead to serious pain and structural damage. Tooth cracks vary between thin surface fractures and deep splits which reach the roots and nerves.
Teeth can develop cracks in multiple locations throughout their structure.
- Cusp fracture – It occurs when the pointed part of the chewing surface sustains damage.
- Craze lines– This is a minor fracture that appear on the enamel and are limited to the outer surface of the tooth.
- Split tooth – It occurs when a fracture separates the tooth into distinct parts.
The vertical root fracture originates at the tooth’s root before extending up to the chewing surface. Next, let’s explore what can cause a cracked tooth.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
Teeth can crack due to multiple factors and it is crucial to identify the underlying cause in order to provide successful treatment.
1. Chewing Hard Foods
One of the causes is due to consumption of hard materials like ice cubes along with nuts and hard candy can lead to fractures in teeth.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The risk of tooth fractures increases when teeth sustain gradual damage from unconscious grinding or clenching behaviors.
3. Trauma or Injury
Tooth fractures can result from a direct impact to the mouth or from falling.
4. Age
As we age, natural wear and tear naturally impacts our teeth. People who are older than 50 years old experience an increased risk of developing cracked teeth.
5. Large Fillings
Tooth structure becomes weakened when fillings grow too big or deteriorate over time increasing the tooth’s chance of cracking.
6. Sudden Temperature Changes
Tooth cracking happens because the tooth structure expands and contracts due to exposure to extreme temperature changes between hot and cold substances.
Watch for these signs if you think your tooth is cracked. If you detect the problem in your tooth at an early stage, you can save it, so never overlook warning signs.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Not all cracked teeth cause symptoms. The most common signs manifest when teeth do exhibit symptoms of cracking include:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Intermittent pain that comes and goes
- Swelling around the affected tooth
The tooth may show a visible crack or line, although many cracks remain unseen because they are too small. If anyone notice these symptoms, it’s important to get a dental checkup soon to treat your cracked tooth properly.
How a Cracked Tooth is Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a hidden cracked tooth can be tricky, so dentists use several methods to find the problem accurately.
- Visual Examination: The dentist examines the tooth with magnification and bright light to detect visible cracks.
- Dental Dye: Dentists can use specific dyes to apply them to teeth which helps in highlighting any cracks present.
- Probing: A dental explorer tool allows dentists to detect tooth surface cracks and uneven textures by touch.
- X-rays: X-rays fail to display cracks but they detect related issues such as the deterioration of pulp health or bone loss.
- Bite Test: Using a special stick or tool the patient bites down to pinpoint the tooth’s location and pain area.
Best Treatment Options for Your Cracked Tooth to Save Your Smile
After diagnosing a cracked tooth or dental fracture, the focus shifts to choosing the most appropriate treatment option. This decision depends on how deep the crack is, where it is located on the tooth and how serious the damage appears to be.
1. Dental Bonding
A tooth-colored resin bonding process can both repair minor cracks and craze lines while bringing back the tooth’s normal appearance and functionality.
2. Dental Crown
When a cracked tooth loses structural integrity, dental crowns in Patna provide a widely used solution. A dental crown completely envelops the tooth to prevent additional damage while rebuilding its structure.
Dr. Aishwarya provides patients with durable dental crowns made from porcelain and zirconia materials that offer a natural appearance.
3. Root Canal Treatment
If the crack has extended into the pulp of the tooth (where the nerves and blood vessels are), a root canal treatment in Patna becomes necessary. Medical professionals eliminate the infected pulp tissue from the tooth then they seal and cover it with a crown to protect against further harm.
Dr. Aishwarya specializes in root canal procedures that patients find painless and efficient while maintaining their comfort and providing full information during treatment.
4. Tooth Extraction
When a vertical root fracture makes tooth preservation impossible severe cracking requires tooth extraction as the only solution. After tooth extraction patients have the option to restore their smile with dental implants or dental bridges.
How Dr. Aishwarya can Restores Your Smile?
Effective dental care practice depends upon combining professional skills with compassionate treatment. Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic in Patna delivers top-quality dental care through the use of modern technology and compassionate service to its patients.
Choose Dr. Aishwarya Multispeciality Dental Clinic because it is:
- Your treatment will be done by highly experienced dental professionals.
- Its one of the best dental clinic in Patna.
- They provide expert service combined with warm interactions which help patients feel at ease
- They delivers custom patient care with total transparency during both initial consultations and complex dental treatments.
She uses advanced cracked tooth treatment methods to provide effective care for patients who have both minor cracks and major fractures.The clinic provides dental crown services that are customized to fit individual dental needs of patients in Patna.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
It’s impossible to completely avoid fractures but you can reduce your risk by taking specific protective actions.
- Avoid chewing hard substances including popcorn kernels and ice pieces.
- Teeth grinders and contact sports players need to use mouthguards for dental protection.
- Visit your dentist routinely to maintain oral health and catch dental problems as soon as they appear.
- Avoid exposing your teeth to sudden temperature changes when consuming food and drinks.
- Do not ignore recurring pain or sensitivity as it requires attention.
You need to get quick treatment to keep your cracked tooth from worsening and prevent additional dental problems.
Final Thoughts
A cracked tooth appears insignificant at first but untreated cracks can cause severe pain or infections which may result in tooth loss. Proper care combined with prompt treatment enables tooth preservation for many patients.
Dr. Aishwarya and her expert team deliver bonding services along with dental crowns and root canal treatments at the highly regarded dental clinic in Patna. Throughout your treatment process, you will receive comprehensive patient-centered care in a sanitized and modern environment.
Address tooth pain or a potential crack by seeking treatment right away. Secure your spot today for professional smile treatment with Dr. Aishwarya.