A cracked tooth, or a broken tooth, is painful, uncomfortable, and worse as far as dental problems are concerned if left untreated. When the situation involves a little crack or a huge break, very early treatment is the key to having a strong and healthy smile. In the event of sensitivity and pain in teeth, there is an emergency dentist near you who can give quick relief and avoid any further damage.
What is a Fractured Tooth?
A fractured tooth is a tooth that has a crack or break in it. This can happen in many ways—sometimes the crack is small and only affects the outer layer of the tooth, while in other cases it may reach deeper and even extend to the root. Cracked teeth can affect people of any age and may not always cause symptoms right away.
Some people don’t notice they have a cracked tooth until it becomes painful or infected. That’s why regular dental checkups are important to catch problems early.
Common Symptoms of a Tooth Crack
You might have a fractured tooth if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
- Swelling around the tooth or gum
- A visible crack or line in the tooth
- Pain that comes and goes
Cracks can be difficult to see, even with the help of X-rays. If you feel pain or discomfort, it’s important to visit a dentist in Ambleside for a proper examination.
What is the Most Common Cause of Tooth Fracture?
The most common cause of a fractured tooth is biting down on hard foods or objects. This includes chewing on ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels. Other causes include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Accidents or injuries, such as falling or getting hit in the mouth
- Large fillings that weaken the tooth
- Sudden changes in temperature inside the mouth (for example, eating something hot and drinking cold water right after)
Stress and age also play a role. Teeth can naturally become weaker over time, especially if they’ve already had dental work or are worn down from years of use.
Types of Tooth Fractures
There are different kinds of tooth fractures, and each type needs different care:
- Craze lines: Tiny cracks in the enamel. These are usually harmless.
- Fractured cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often near a filling.
- Cracked tooth: A crack that runs from the chewing surface toward the root. This needs quick attention to avoid tooth loss.
- Split tooth: The tooth is broken into two parts. It often happens when a cracked tooth goes untreated.
- Vertical root fracture: Begins at the root and moves upward. These are harder to spot and may lead to infection.
What is the Best Treatment for a Fractured Tooth?
Treatment depends on how serious the crack is. A dentist will first examine the tooth and might use X-rays or other tools to see how deep the crack goes. The best treatment for a fractured tooth includes one of the following:
- Dental bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is applied to fix small cracks.
- Dental crown: A custom-made cap covers and protects the tooth, especially if it’s weak or has a large crack.
- Root canal: If the crack has reached the pulp (the centre of the tooth), a root canal may be needed to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth.
- Tooth extraction: If the crack is too deep to repair, the tooth might need to be removed.
Early treatment can save a cracked tooth and prevent more painful or expensive problems in the future.
Ways to Avoid Cracking Your Teeth
Preventing a fractured tooth is always better than treating one. Here are some tips:
- Don’t bite or chew on hard items
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Wear a nightguard to protect against teeth grinding.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes in food and drinks.
- Visit your dental clinic regularly for checkups.
Taking care of your teeth every day by brushing, flossing, and avoiding harmful habits can help keep your smile strong.
Seek Professional Care Now
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or think you might have a cracked tooth, don’t wait. A minor crack can turn into a major problem without proper care. The team at Smart Dental Art is here to help you with caring, professional treatment. Our skilled staff at the dental clinic in Ambleside will examine your tooth and provide the best solution to restore your comfort and smile.
Your dental health matters. Book your appointment with Smart Dental Art today, and let us take care of your smile before the problem gets worse!