Cracked tooth is a condition with a name that speaks for itself. The crack usually happens when a person chews something crunchy or bite down on something hard. Sometimes, grinding the teeth at night can cause this phenomenon too. Cracked tooth is one of the common conditions that happen to be the leading cause of tooth loss. As people get older, their teeth begin to wear out, some people even experience seeing small lines on the surface of their teeth.
Alarming as they seem, most of the time they are simply cracks in the tooth enamel. These are called “craze lines,” and they are only limited to the superficial outer layer of the tooth. They develop over time with normal wear and tear. These craze lines are not severe as long as they do not penetrate the inner surface of the tooth called dentin.
Is there a difference between cracked tooth and chipped tooth?
Cracked tooth commonly happens at the back teeth where chewing occurs. Typically, a cracked tooth will need more invasive treatment compared with a chipped tooth. If the crack reaches the deeper layers of the tooth, complex procedures might be required to fix the problem. In the case of chipped tooth, however, it commonly occurs in the front teeth. The concern of people with chipped tooth is generally about aesthetics and functionality. A dentist can typically fixed chipped tooth in a day and make the final result seamless.
Here are the facts you need to know!
- The teeth can crack because of various reasons. One reason is the abrupt temperature changes inside the mouth. Blows in the face caused by accidents, sports and punches can cause a cracked tooth as well. For people over the age of 50, the wear and tear from all the years of eating and chewing can crack their teeth.
- Not all cases of cracked tooth cause symptoms. However, there are some symptoms a person might experience if they do. An example is pain and sensitivity when chewing or biting, along with sensitivity to temperature and sweetness. A cracked tooth will also cause the surrounding gums to swell around the affected area.
- Surprisingly enough, x-rays cannot reveal a cracked tooth. If there are no present symptoms, it might be hard for a person to diagnose if they have a crack in their tooth. If a person suspects that they cracked their teeth, it is best to consult with a dental health professional to have the mouth thoroughly examined. A proper diagnosis is the first step to an effective treatment.
Despite being the strongest mineral in the body, the enamel has its limits too. If ever your tooth breaks down, we at Dentistry of Kingwood offer Cracked Tooth Repair in Kingwood, TX. We are located at 1520 Green Oak Place, Suite B, Kingwood TX 77339. Let us help you repair your smile! Contact us to request an appointment.