What Can A Dentist Do For A Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth is a broken or chipped tooth. It can be caused by biting down on something hard, an injury, or grinding your teeth.

Cracked teeth are more common than you might think. It’s estimated that around 20% of the population has experienced some form of dental trauma during their lives.

What are the common causes of a cracked tooth?

The most common causes of cracked teeth include:

• Tooth decay. The most common cause of a cracked tooth is tooth decay. A cavity in your tooth can lead to an infection that spreads through the dentin and into the pulp. The tooth's strength is then compromised, and a crack may result.
• Trauma/injury. Sports injuries, falls, or accidents can cause cracks in teeth. 
• Bruxism/teeth grinding. A common cause of cracked teeth is bruxism or grinding your teeth at night while asleep. 
• Acidic foods. Some acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can also cause cracks in your teeth if consumed regularly over an extended period.

What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Although a cracked tooth may not be visible to the eye, it can be painful. If you have a cracked tooth, the pain will typically be worse after eating or drinking hot or cold foods and liquids. It’s also common to experience swelling in your gums near the cracked tooth.

How can I avoid a cracked tooth?

You can help avoid a cracked tooth by following these steps:

• Practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled brush. Floss once daily to remove food particles from between the teeth.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice cubes or pens; they can cause cracks in your teeth that lead to decay and further damage.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
• Try not to grind your teeth because the pressure can cause teeth to crack. If you grind your teeth during sleep, your dentist may recommend a night guard to avoid tooth damage.

How does an endodontist diagnose a cracked tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, the best way for your dentist to detect it is through a visual exam and dental x-rays. However, sometimes even the most thorough visual examination of your teeth may not reveal cracks that are too small or obstructed. 

In these cases, an endodontist may use a surgical microscope to identify cracks in your root canal system that cannot be seen with ordinary magnification.

What are the treatments for a cracked tooth?

Several treatments are available to repair a cracked tooth. The decision about which treatment is best depends on the type and extent of the damage to your tooth and your general health and oral health history. The most common treatments are:

1) Composite restoration.

2) Root canal therapy.

3) Crown placement.

4) Extraction.

Can a cracked tooth be saved?

Elite Endodontics of NH can help diagnose and save a cracked tooth. If you suspect your tooth is cracked or fractured, seek treatment immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, call our office today at 603-882-5455. Or schedule an appointment online.