Teeth are comprised of strong, durable materials and components capable of helping individuals perform vital functions like chewing. However, over time, continual usage and father time could lead to a variety of issues. One such concern is a condition known as cracked tooth syndrome.
North View Dental, serving the residents of Ogden and neighboring Utah regions, invites those concerned with maintaining optimal dental health to read this blog discussing cracked tooth syndrome and potential treatment options.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome Definition
This oral malady occurs when a tooth experiences a small crack or opening known as a microfracture.
Causes
These tiny injuries can be precipitated by several underlying issues such as:
Acute Trauma
Sometimes, biting down on hard food like candy or a popcorn kernel could incite mini fractures.
Teeth Grinding
The continual movement of teeth on teeth can grow injurious over time.
Extreme Temperature Changes
Occasionally, exposure to wild temperature fluctuations can precipitate microfractures. For example, consuming large quantities of cold water immediately followed by the ingestion of exceedingly hot food could yield unfavorable outcomes.
Age
The structural condition of one’s teeth often declines with age. Therefore, tiny breakages can emerge gradually.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome Symptoms
In the mildest cases, microfractures might not produce any physical manifestations. However, when symptoms do occur, impacted subjects may notice the following occurrences:
Pain
Discomfort associated with cracked tooth syndrome is typically intermittent. Furthermore, such pain often appears or worsens during and immediately following the biting process.
Insensitivity To Heat And Cold
Exposure to temperature extremes can induce pain. This is especially noticeable when consuming excessively cold products like ice cream and hot offerings such as soup or any item directly out of the oven or microwave.
Inflammation
In more moderate instances, redness and swelling may appear surrounding the injured tooth.
Complications
If not promptly addressed, tiny fractures could grow in size and precipitate more serious concerns like dental abscesses, which are significant infections situated within the gums and surrounding bones.
Diagnosis
Microfractures are seldom able to be viewed by the naked eye. Therefore, a dental professional cannot typically confirm the condition’s presence without employing diagnostic imaging tools like X-rays, which enable said professionals to examine internal scans of the tooth in question.
Potential Treatment Options
Treatment will hinge on several issues including the location of the fracture, the underlying condition, said ailment’s severity, and the specific symptoms the patient presents. That said, common therapeutic options include:
Crowns
Crowns are man-made coverings comprised of materials like ceramic or metal designed to fill fracture-produced gaps.
Bonds
Smaller openings might be filled by bonding agents. Such substances are plastic resins created to fill and seal existing cracks.
Root Canal
If the crack is located within the tooth’s pulp, a root canal might be indicated. During this procedure, a dental provider removes the tooth’s damaged portion, thoroughly disinfects the area in question, and refills it using synthetic materials.
Removal
If the crack is located near or beneath the gum line, an extraction might be necessary. Such abnormalities could significantly threaten a tooth’s roots or gums.
Contacting Us
Persons experiencing cracked tooth syndrome symptoms are urged to contact us. We strive to make our facility as inviting and family-friendly as possible. Moreover, our highly-trained and experienced team of dental professionals can offer a comprehensive examination and determine the most befitting course of therapy.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or give us a call today.
