Do you know that a cracked or fractured tooth happens due to grinding, trauma, age and other factors? Well, you might not notice any symptoms and yet experience swelling, sensitivity and pain. The dentist knows different methods for treating a fracture based on the location and severity of crack.
About a fractured tooth
A fractured tooth or a cracked tooth occurs when there is a crack in your tooth. The crack may sometimes get small and harmless while at other times, it can cause your tooth to split or break. Tooth fractures are very common in kids and older people though anybody can crack a tooth. It is advisable to visit an emergency dentist for chipped tooth right away and solve the problem.
The parts of a tooth which can crack
The teeth have two parts:
- The root remains below the gums
- The crown is visible above the gums
The crown and the root have different layers which include:
- Enamel: This is hard white outer surface.
- Dentin: This is middle layer of your tooth.
- Pulp: This is soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
Tooth fractures may affect some or all of the layers. Treating a cracked tooth depends on where the fracture occurs and severity of the fracture.
Having a broken tooth may feel sensitive or hurt though some fractures do not lead to any symptoms. You need to see a dentist immediately. Getting necessary treatment can increase the chances of repairing the cracked tooth.
Causes of a fractured tooth
- Age – There can be many cracks on the tooth when you turn 50 or more.
- Bite on hard foods – Some of these are ice, popcorn kernels or candy.
- Habits – This includes chewing on ice or gums.
- Large fillings or root canal – This can weaken the tooth.
- Teeth grinding or bruxism –
- Trauma – You may have sports injuries, falls, car accidents, bike accidents or physical violence.
The teeth which usually become fracture
Fractures can happen often on your upper front teeth and the teeth toward the back of lower jaw. Though some people commonly fracture one tooth, trauma or extreme injury can fracture several teeth. People suffering from cavities have greater risk of fracture even with severe trauma.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth
Some symptoms include the following:
- Pain that comes and goes away at the time of chewing
- High sensitivity due to eating sweet foods or change in temperature
- Toothache at the time of biting or chewing food
- Swelling around your tooth
How the healthcare providers help in diagnosing your fractured teeth
The provider will ask about the causes and symptoms of your broken tooth for diagnosing the fractured tooth. He will ask about injury or trauma you are suffering from. Starting from thorough assessment of your teeth, you will have to visit a dentist.
He will about ask you about your dental history and if you grind teeth or chew on hard foods or ice.
Then the dentist will:
- Check to find out if you have a knocked out or broken tooth.
- Ask to bite down on a stick and see if you experience pain.
- Evaluate teeth for crack lines.
- Assess your gums for inflammation as vertical fractures may cause irritation to gums.
- Take X-ray of your teeth to see fractures and other problems like bone loss.
- Use special tools to find the crack by checking whether the tools get caught on the crack.
How to treat a fractured tooth at the comfort of home
For treating a fractured tooth at home, you can do these things:
- Put an ice pack on the outside of your mouth to avoid swelling.
- Rinse mouth with salt water to clean teeth properly.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to lessen the swelling and pain.
How dentists treat your fractured tooth
The treatment for a fractured tooth depends on the amount of damage on your tooth. Some treatments are the following:
- Bonding: The plastic resin is used for filling in the fracture.
- Extraction: There is complete removal of your tooth which can be used when the tooth nerves and root show extreme damage.
- Crown: A ceramic or porcelain cap will be fitted on your fractured tooth. It is used when you do not have sufficient natural tooth for dental veneer.
- Root canal: The removal of damaged pulp can prevent further weakening of tooth. This can be used when the fracture extends into your pulp.
- Veneer: There is a thin covering of plastic or porcelain which goes over the front of your tooth. It can be used when you have good amount of natural tooth left.
- Cosmetic contouring: The rough edge polishing and rounding smoothens out your broken tooth.
Accidents and other causes can be the reason for your tooth break. When it is visible, it may affect your appearance and make you feel embarrassed. You might suffer from swelling, sensitivity, pain or signs of infection. See an emergency dentist in London for chipped tooth and improve your oral health. The treatment can save your tooth, restore your appearance and avoid dental complications in future.
