A cracked tooth can be a painful and distressing dental emergency, requiring immediate attention. Understanding the causes of this issue is crucial for prevention and early intervention. In Scottsdale, AZ, residents face specific challenges that may contribute to cracked teeth. Let’s explore the common causes of this dental crisis and how to address them.
What causes teeth to crack?
Anyone can crack a tooth, but tooth fractures are most common in children and older adults. Teeth can crack due to a variety of causes, including:
- Blows to the mouth, such as might occur with a fall, sports injury, fist fight or car accident
- Biting or chewing on hard foods, such as hard candy, nuts or ice
- Pressure due to teeth grinding
- Sudden changes in the temperature in the mouth – for instance, from eating something extremely hot, then drinking ice water to cool your mouth
- Fillings so large the integrity of the tooth is weakened
- Age (most teeth fractures occur in people older than 50)
Types of Cracked Teeth
There are different types of tooth fractures, and they are differentiated by where they occur on the tooth. Cracks can appear as:
- Cracks That Extend Into the Gum Line
- Vertical Root Fracture
- Fractured Cusp
- Craze Lines
- Split Tooth
What are symptoms of a cracked tooth?
While not every cracked tooth will lead to symptoms, when symptoms do occur, they are often as follows:
- Swollen gums around the affected tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing, especially when you release a bite
- Sensitivity to sweetness, hot or cold temperatures
- Intermittent pain
How are cracked or fractured teeth diagnosed?
Not everyone with a cracked tooth will display typical symptoms. To help diagnose a cracked tooth, your dentist will likely:
- Inquire about your dental history
- Visually examine your tooth
- Feel for the crack using a dental explorer
- Use a dental dye
- Look closely at your gums
- X-ray your teeth
How is a cracked tooth treated?
When a tooth cracks or breaks, it can be quite painful. But even if you’re not experiencing any pain, it’s best to go to a dental office as soon as possible. Most of the time, broken teeth can be repaired by:
- Reattaching the broken piece of tooth
- Placing a crown over the fractured tooth
- Performing a root canal
- Performing an extraction
How can I prevent a cracked or fractured tooth?
While not every tooth fracture can be prevented, you can reduce the risk of one occurring by avoiding chewing ice or hard foods, taking good care of your teeth and gums, and wearing a mouth guard to avoid teeth grinding at night or when you play sports.
Do you suspect you may have a cracked or fractured tooth? Contact our dentists in Scottsdale right away. We can examine the problem and recommend treatment options.