A cracked tooth is a common problem faced by many individuals. The discomfort and pain caused by this issue can be unbearable, making it crucial to seek emergency dental care. Understanding the various culprits that lead to cracked tooth pain is imperative in preventing this dental issue. Furthermore, staying informed on the different treatment options is necessary to address cracked tooth pain effectively.
This article will delve into the different aspects of cracked tooth pain, from its causes to treatment, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to tackle this dental problem head-on.
Factors that Weaken Dental Integrity
Cracked teeth can arise for various reasons, from dental hygiene to accidental trauma. Here are the reasons your tooth cracks:
Teeth grinding
Regular teeth grinding can cause significant damage to teeth over time, including forming cracks.
Poor dental hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to weakened teeth that crack more easily.
Chewing hard substances
Teeth can be damaged when subjected to the excessive stress of crunching on ice, nuts, or hard candy.
Biting non-food items
Certain nervous habits like biting fingernails or using teeth as tools can cause chips and cracks.
Tooth decay
Decay can weaken the tooth structure causing it to be susceptible to cracks.
Temperature fluctuations
Drinking hot and cold beverages one after the other can cause the teeth to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
Age
As with other body parts, teeth can become brittle with age and more vulnerable to cracking.
Trauma
Accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause cracked teeth.
Genetics
Some people are simply more predisposed to tooth fractures than others due to genetics.
Dental restorations
Fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations can weaken the tooth structure, making it prone to fracture or crack. Get more details.
Normal Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear on teeth can cause micro-cracks to develop over time, weakening the tooth’s overall structure.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Teeth can crack in several ways, from superficial lines along the enamel to a clean creak from the crown to the root. Here are the different types of tooth cracks:
Craze lines
Craze lines on teeth are tiny cracks that appear on the enamel surface of teeth. They are usually found on the front teeth and are caused by repeated stress, such as chewing or grinding teeth together.
Fractures Cusps
Fractured cusps refer to cracks on the pointed sections of your molars and premolars.
Cracked tooth
A cracked tooth has a visible or invisible crack on its surface. It is a minor surface crack that only affects the outer enamel layer of the tooth, or a severe crack that extends deeper into the tooth, affecting the inner layers of the tooth that have the nerve tissue and blood vessels.
Split tooth
A split tooth occurs when a tooth fractures into two separate parts. It goes from the surface of the tooth down towards the root.
Vertical root fracture
Vertical root fractures may occur in teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. They are cracks extending from the root toward the surface of the tooth. This tooth fracture is also called cracked tooth syndrome because it can split the tooth into two parts.
Recognising Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Here are some of the different ways a cracked tooth can show symptoms:
Pain when biting or chewing
A cracked tooth can cause pain when pressure is applied, particularly when biting or chewing.
Dental sensitivity
A cracked tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and even air. This is tooth sensitivity, a sharp, shooting sensation that lasts only a few seconds or could be a more prolonged ache that lingers after the stimulus is removed.
Swelling or bleeding around the tooth
Sometimes, a cracked tooth can cause swelling or bleeding in the gums around the affected area. This can indicate an infection has developed and urgent dental treatment is needed.
Radiant pain
Cracked tooth pain can present as a headache, earache, jaw pain, or even pain in another tooth.
Visible damage to teeth
Cracked teeth may be visible to the naked eye. This can be in the form of a crack, chip, or change in the colour or texture of the affected tooth.
Swelling or tenderness
If the crack in the tooth is close to the gum line, it may cause inflammation or discomfort in the surrounding soft tissues.
It’s worth noting that some cracked teeth may not show any symptoms at all, particularly if the crack is small or located in a less sensitive area of the mouth.
However, it’s important to seek dental treatment if you suspect you have a cracked tooth, as even microscopic cracks can worsen over time and lead to more serious problems.
Relieving Cracked Tooth Pain at Home
When experiencing cracked tooth pain, you must visit our clinic for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Still, a few measures can be taken at home for temporary broken tooth pain relief.
Here are some effective ways to manage cracked tooth pain before your appointment with our caring dentist:
Take over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter pain medicine can temporarily relieve tooth pain. These medicines work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals in the body.
Rinse with salt water
A saltwater rinse can help to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Mix some salt in warm water and rinse your mouth for a couple of minutes.
Apply a cold compress
Cracked teeth can cause swelling and tenderness in the surrounding area. Applying a cold compress on your cheek along the affected tooth can reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
Use clove oil
Clove oil has natural analgesic properties and can help to alleviate tooth pain. Simply dip a small cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the hurting tooth.
Avoid certain foods and drinks
Avoiding hard candies, soda, sugary foods, and hot or cold beverages can help to prevent further irritation and pain.
It’s important to note that these remedies are temporary and will not fix a cracked tooth on their own. Seeking professional dental care from our highly qualified dentist is essential to treat a cracked tooth and prevent further damage.
Once you are at our clinic, we will take your dental history and offer prompt and effective treatment to relieve your discomfort.
Detecting and Diagnosing Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. While some cracks are big enough to be felt by the tongue, others are very fine or in a location where they are difficult to spot.
To know if the cause of your dental pain is a cracked tooth, we can use any of the following:
Clinical examination
Our skilled dentist carries out a visual and tactile examination of the affected tooth to look for visible cracks or fractures.
X-rays
A dental X-ray can reveal hidden cracks or fractures not visible during a clinical examination.
Biting test
Our dentist may ask the patient to bite down on a cotton roll or other object to determine if there is any pain or discomfort when biting. This can help to diagnose a crack or fracture that is not visible during a clinical examination.
Dye staining
A special dye is applied to the tooth, which seeps into any cracks or fractures present. After a few minutes, the dye is washed away, and the tooth is examined under a bright light to reveal any visible cracks.
Effective Solutions to Restore Cracked Teeth
Several treatment options are available for cracked teeth, depending on where the crack is and its severity.
Here are some common ways cracked teeth can be treated:
Dental bonding
This is a quick treatment in which a tooth-coloured resin material is applied to the cracked tooth, then shaped and polished to restore its appearance and function.
Dental crowns
Cracked teeth that are more severely damaged may require a dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it.
Crowns can be made of different biocompatible materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Root canal treatment
If a crack extends into the tooth’s pulp, it may be necessary to perform a root canal to remove the damaged tissue and restore the tooth’s function. This treatment involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal, and filling it with a special material.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a severely cracked tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be saved with other treatment options. This is usually the last resort, as it can lead to other dental problems if the missing tooth is not replaced.
Porcelain veneers
For cracked teeth that are primarily a cosmetic concern, premium quality porcelain veneers can improve your tooth’s appearance. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are custom-made to fit over the front of the tooth, creating a natural-looking and durable solution.
It’s important to note that the correct treatment option for a cracked tooth will depend on several factors, including the location and severity of your cracked, chipped or broken tooth, your age and overall health, and your individual preferences and budget.
If you feel you have a cracked tooth, our competent dentist can confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your needs. Contact us on (02) 8806 0790 for emergency dental care to relieve your cracked tooth pain!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Treatments, and Recovery | Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth#complications
Cracked tooth: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment | Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015
