Teeth are an essential part of the body that takes quite a bit of damage over time. These damages can sometimes be cracks in the tooth, formed by pressure put on the tooth in a few different ways. It is important to note that it is crucial to find immediate dental help once a crack is discovered on the tooth. Only then can a specialist do the procedure, fix the crack, and save the tooth if possible.

What causes a tooth to crack?

While teeth may seem strong, there are a few ways to actually crack a tooth.

1. Old age: as we get older, the body doesn’t work as well as it used to, and it doesn’t absorb the vitamins and minerals we need. This also goes for teeth as bone density deteriorates, causing cracks in the teeth.
2. Hard impact: falling or getting hit in the face with direct impact to the teeth is another way to get a crack or even chip a tooth as well.
3. Grinding: mostly in their sleep, people grind their teeth together without noticing. This usually happens when a mouthguard isn’t used at night while sleeping, or from bad habits. Over time, this weakens the teeth under pressure and causes them to crack.
4. Fillings: if the filling is too large or not placed correctly, it can cause cracks in the teeth around those sites.
5. Temperature: When eating or drinking, going from an extreme hot to cold in a short amount of time can cause damage and cracking to the teeth.

What are some ways to fix a cracked tooth?

The type of treatment to give a crack is based on the severity of the crack itself or the symptoms the person may be having because of the crack. The dentist has a few methods of fixing those cracks, such as:

1. Dental bonding is where a colored resin is applied to the crack of the tooth
2. A dental crown. Often made of porcelain or ceramic, goes over the tooth as a cap to protect the exposed area.
3. A root canal is when the tooth is drilled into, and the infected pulp of the tooth is scooped out and filled to support the integrity of the tooth.
4. Extraction happens when the damage to the tooth is so severe that the dentist cannot save the tooth. To replace the extracted tooth, the dentist may place a dental implant in its place.

How to know if your tooth is possibly cracked?

The symptoms of a cracked tooth can range from pain while biting or chewing to pain from sensitivity to hot or cold. If there is also a hint of pain that comes and goes, then there is a possibility that a tooth may be cracked.

A cracked tooth is no joke and should be taken seriously to avoid any further complications. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of a cracked tooth, reach out to a dental specialist immediately for an appointment to stop the crack from spreading further. It is also best to follow routine teeth cleanings to keep up with tooth health.

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