Signs You May Have a Cracked Tooth
When it comes to your teeth, any type of damage should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent severe complications that cannot be successfully treated. A cracked tooth is a serious dental concern because it will compromise the health and integrity of the entire mouth if it is not promptly and properly treated. While there are times when having a cracked tooth is obvious as soon as the damage occurs, there are also times when the issue is not as evident. Many patients learn that they have a cracked tooth when they go to the dentist for a regular checkup, and are surprised that the symptoms that they had been experiencing were related to a cracked tooth. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth can help save your tooth and restore it to proper health.
Signs that you may have a cracked tooth include:
- Any type of tooth pain. Tooth pain is always a serious indicator that something is wrong, and it should never be ignored.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Sharp pain when you bite down on the tooth.
- Sharp pain when biting pressure is released, followed by immediate relief.
- A change in the color of your tooth.
- A line of any color running vertically in the tooth.
Minor cracks in the teeth can typically be treated successfully when they are caught early on. However, when a cracked tooth is ignored it can lead to the necessity of having a root canal procedure or even more extensive dental work.
Most cracked teeth are caused by bad habits and injury. Crunching on ice and hard candies is the most common cause of a cracked tooth. When biting down on these hard substances, it puts a great deal of pressure on a tooth and can easily crack the enamel. Recreational sports and activities in which people do not wear the proper head and face protection is the other leading cause of a cracked tooth. Any type of blow to the face – whether it is from a ball being thrown, a bat being swung, an elbow, or a fall – all of these can pose trauma to the mouth. Wearing the proper mouth guard or helmet is essential is preventing any type of head or facial injury while participating in recreational activities.
If you have any signs of a cracked tooth, please contact the dental practice of Dr. Wayne G. Suway today. Dr. Suway will gently and successfully treat your tooth and restore its health.
Posted on behalf of
1820 The Exchange SE, #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 953-1752
FAX: (770) 953-6470
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