Could You Have Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Could You Have Cracked Tooth Syndrome? If you experience random pain or discomfort when you bite into food or when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, then you could be suffering from cracked tooth syndrome. It can be difficult to diagnose cracked tooth syndrome, even for a dentist in Clacton, since typically the cracks are very small and often don’t show in an X-ray, or may be hidden beneath the gum.

Cracked tooth syndrome is fairly common in adults and occurs on the biting surface of the tooth. It may be felt as a sharp pain which worsens when more pressure is applied to the tooth or if you grind your teeth forwards and backwards.

What causes cracked tooth syndrome?

As with many mouth conditions there isn’t a reason for cracked tooth syndrome. However some of the causes include:

  • Grinding or clenching the teeth
  • Biting on hard food such as bones
  • Large dental fillings
  • Teeth which have undergone root canal treatment

Diagnosis

People with cracked tooth syndrome may have the condition for months because the pain isn’t constant as it is with a cavity and it’s one of the hardest dental conditions to diagnose. Your dentist in Clacton will conduct a thorough oral examination, refer to your dental history, take X-rays, and even use a fibre optic hand piece to help him detect the cracks.

Treatment

The treatment will vary according to how deep the cracks are and the extent to which they may have spread.

Cracks that appear on the cusps of teeth can often be repaired with a dental crown. However, if the cracks have gone deep into the tooth and infected the pulp then root canal treatment is likely to be necessary.

In particularly severe cases where cracks have reached down to the tooth roots, the only course of action may be to extract the tooth or teeth and replace them with a bridge or dental implants in Clacton. If you have any of the symptoms referred to above then it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Complications

If a crack gets bigger then it’s not uncommon for a piece of tooth to break off. This increases the risk of you getting an infection in the gum surrounding the fractured tooth which may show itself as a pimple like bump or abscess. If you spot this, then again book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, to get the necessary oral care.

Prevention

If you grind your teeth then you’re more at risk of developing cracked tooth syndrome. Ask your dentist in Clacton for advice. Since most people grind their teeth at night he may suggest that you wear a mouth guard to protect them.

If you fear you may have a crack in your tooth then don’t delay. Book an appointment with Clacton Dental Care so we can take a look and discuss your best dental options. Call us today on 01255 221001 or book online. We’re a private and NHS dentist in Clacton dedicated to providing the best in general, preventative, and restorative dentistry for the entire family.

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