Signs Your Tooth is Cracked and Needs Oral Surgery to Fix
Posted on 1/15/2025 by Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery
A cracked tooth can be a painful and frustrating experience. It can make it difficult to eat, drink, and speak comfortably. In some cases, a cracked tooth can even lead to infection or the loss of the tooth. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, it's important to see an oral surgeon as soon as possible.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a fracture in the tooth that can range from minor to severe. Cracked teeth can occur due to a number of factors, such as biting down on hard objects, grinding your teeth, or having a filling that is too large.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have a cracked tooth. These include:
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Pain when biting or chewing: This is the most common symptom of a cracked tooth. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it may come and go.
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Sensitivity to hot or cold: A cracked tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This is because the crack can expose the inner layer of the tooth, which is more sensitive than the outer layer.
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Swelling: Swelling around the tooth is another common symptom of a cracked tooth. This is because the crack can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an infection.
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A visible crack in the tooth: In some cases, you may be able to see the crack in the tooth with the naked eye.
Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth
If you think you may have a cracked tooth, it's important to see an oral surgeon as soon as possible. The oral surgeon will examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the crack. They may also use other diagnostic tools, such as a dental microscope or a transilluminator.
Treatment for a Cracked Tooth
The treatment for a cracked tooth will depend on the severity of the crack. In some cases, the crack may be so small that it does not require any treatment. However, if the crack is larger or if it is causing pain or sensitivity, the oral surgeon will need to repair the tooth.
There are a number of ways to repair a cracked tooth. These include:
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Bonding: Bonding is a procedure in which a composite resin material is used to fill in the crack. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure that can be done in the office.
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Crown: A crown is a cap that fits over the entire tooth. Crowns are used to repair cracks that are too large to be repaired with bonding.
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Root canal: In some cases, the crack may extend into the pulp of the tooth, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth. If this happens, the oral surgeon will need to perform a root canal to remove the pulp and save the tooth.
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Extraction: If the crack is severe or if the tooth is too badly damaged, the oral surgeon may need to extract the tooth.
Oral Care and Restoration Dentistry
Once your cracked tooth has been repaired, it's important to take good care of your oral health to prevent future problems. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
If you have a cracked tooth, don't wait to see an oral surgeon. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the tooth and save it from needing to be extracted.