Dealing with Cracked Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide to Prevention, Treatment, and Restoration

Cracked teeth, also known as fractured teeth, are a common dental problem that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain. If left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to more serious complications, such as tooth infection and even tooth loss.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

The symptoms of a cracked tooth can vary depending on the severity of the crack and the location of the crack within the tooth. Some common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain: This pain may be triggered by biting on hard foods, chewing, or drinking hot or cold beverages.
• Sensitivity: The tooth may become sensitive to certain temperatures or sweets.
• Aching pain: This pain may be constant or come and go.
• Visible crack: In some cases, a visible crack may be seen on the tooth's surface.

Causes of Cracked Teeth

Several factors can contribute to the development of cracked teeth, including:

• Chewing hard foods: Biting on hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or candies, can put excessive force on the teeth and increase the risk of cracking.
• Bruxism: Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, which can put a lot of stress on the teeth and lead to cracking.
• Large fillings: Large fillings can weaken the tooth structure and make it more susceptible to cracking.
• Trauma: A sudden blow to the mouth, such as from a fall or accident, can also crack a tooth.
• Age: As teeth age, they become more brittle and more prone to cracking.

Preventing Cracked Teeth

There are several things you can do to prevent cracked teeth, including:

• Avoid chewing hard foods: Avoid biting on hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or candies.
• Wear a mouthguard: If you brux, wear a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth.
• Get regular dental checkups: See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings so that they can identify and treat any potential problems early on.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D to help keep your teeth strong.

Treatment for Cracked Teeth

The treatment for a cracked tooth will depend on the severity of the crack and the location of the crack within the tooth. Treatment options may include:

• Dental bonding: For small cracks, dental bonding may be used to repair the crack. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth to cover the crack.
• Dental crown: For larger cracks or cracks that extend into the dentin (the layer of tissue under the enamel), a dental crown may be necessary. A dental crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to protect it.
• Root canal: In some cases, if the crack extends into the pulp (the nerve center of the tooth), a root canal may be necessary. A root canal is a procedure in which the pulp is removed from the tooth, and the tooth is then filled and sealed.

Restoring a Cracked Tooth

Once a cracked tooth has been treated, it is important to take steps to restore the tooth's function and prevent further damage. This may include:

• Avoiding the use of the cracked tooth: Avoid biting or chewing on the cracked tooth as much as possible.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
• Flossing regularly: Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth.
• Seeing your dentist for regular checkups: See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to monitor the cracked tooth and make sure it is healing properly.

Cracked teeth can be a serious dental problem, but with proper treatment and prevention, you can protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile.

Dealing With Cracked Teeth

 

Also known as the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth in the mouth to erupt, which normally happens around the ages of 17 - 25. For many years, there has been a lot of controversy as to the need to remove these teeth.  If the teeth don’t cause any harm or pain, they are normally fine to stay in place.  If they present a bad position or cause you a lot of pain or discomfort, they will need to be removed.

 

When the wisdom teeth first come in, they will sometimes be impacted.  Impacted teeth will normally need to be extracted.  Sometimes they can be pulled, although in most cases they need to be cut out by a qualified surgeon.  When the time comes to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’ll need to go to an oral surgeon and have a consultation first.

 

During the consultation, you’ll take a few x-rays that will let the surgeon know how bad your wisdom teeth are.  He will go over the results with you, take a look in your mouth, then tell you what options you have.  If he is going to pull or cut out your teeth, you’ll have the option of using local anaesthesia or going with an IV sedation.  An IV sedation is the preferred way to have wisdom teeth extracted, as you’ll be so relaxed you won’t know what is going on.  If you decide to just use local anaesthesia, which is numbing, you’ll be fully aware of the procedure.  You’ll also hear the popping and cracking involved, which can make you feel quite uncomfortable.

 

Depending on the shape, size, and the formation of the wisdom teeth, the removal process can vary from easy to hard.  If the root tips have managed to wrap themselves around the bone, the removal process can be very time consuming and quite painful.  Once the extractions have been completed, there is normally little to no swelling involved.  Your dentist will prescribe you some pain medicine, which you should use as soon as you arrive home.  If you are going to use IV sedation, you’ll need to someone to accompany you, as you won’t be able to drive home.

 

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your dentist  go over what you need to do to ensure the proper healing of your gums and mouth.  Normally, he will give you information to go over, to make sure that you experience no problems in the healing process.  Someone will need to be with you for the first 24 hours, to make sure that you ok.  You won’t be able to eat certain foods for the first 48 hours, which is to be expected.  Once you get your wisdom teeth removed through - you’ll notice a big improvement in your mouth - and your health.

In conclusion, cracked teeth are a common dental problem that can cause a range of symptoms. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, it is important to see your dentist right away. With early diagnosis and treatment, most cracked teeth can be successfully repaired and restored.