Cracked tooth syndrome is where a tooth has a crack that is either visible or invisible. A tooth may be cracked if it becomes sensitive to cold and hot temperatures or if you experience pain when biting or chewing. If a cracked tooth is left untreated, it can cause pain, discomfort, and severe dental problems over time.
Cracked tooth syndrome includes three phases: craze lines, cracks, and fractures. Craze lines are tiny and harmless cracks that occur in the outer enamel of the tooth. Cracks occur when craze lines penetrate the body of the tooth (dentin). A fracture occurs when cracks expand deep into the root of the tooth.
Some of the common causes of cracked tooth syndrome include:
Repairing a cracked tooth is easy if it is detected early. However, diagnosis can be difficult because people do not develop any symptoms during the initial stage. Regular visits to your dentist for routine checkups will help you detect a cracked tooth earlier.
The dentist uses various methods to diagnose a cracked tooth, including:
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Your dentist can repair a cracked tooth through various treatment options, including placing a crown, bonding or performing a root canal. Also, they may suggest you to wear an occlusal guard to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching. The type of treatment varies from person to person depending on the location and the severity of the tooth crack.
Make an appointment with your dentist in West Des Moines as soon as you suspect that you have a cracked tooth.