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What are the types of cracked teeth and how to treat them?

Cracked teeth can be a painful experience and a difficult dental issue to diagnose and treat. They often cause sharp pains when you bite, chew, or apply pressure to the affected area. Cracks can also create pathways for bacteria from the mouth to enter the inner layers of the tooth, leading to infection and decay. In this article, we will discuss what are the types of cracked teeth and how to treat them.

A crack in a tooth is an incomplete fracture that originates within the enamel layer and extends into deeper structures such as dentin and pulp. It’s important to note that even small cracks in your teeth can lead to significant problems if left untreated. A common indication of cracked teeth is pain when you bite, chew, or apply pressure. Other signs include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids, a dull ache that lingers, the appearance of a crack or chip in the enamel layer of your tooth, and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down.

Types of cracked teeth

There are several types of cracked teeth that require different treatments depending on the severity. The most common type is called a craze line (or an enamel fracture). This is a very small horizontal crack at the surface level of your tooth that does not extend into its deeper layers. Craze lines are often caused by grinding or clenching your teeth due to stress or habit. They can cause mild discomfort but typically do not require treatment.

Another type of cracked tooth is a non-restorable crack. This is when the enamel layer has fractured and extends into the inner layers of the tooth, such as dentin and pulp. Non-restorable cracks can be painful and are more serious than craze lines because they can cause infection or decay if not treated promptly. Treatment for this type of fracture may include root canal therapy, dental crowns, or even extraction depending on how severe the damage is.

The most serious type of cracked tooth is vertical root fracture (VRF). These cracks originate at the root tips where they join your jawbone and extend up through the entire length of your tooth. VRFs can be extremely painful, but may not be visible on x-rays. Treatment for vertical root fractures will often require a combination of root canal therapy, crowns, and/or extraction to eliminate the pain and prevent further damage.

How to treat cracked teeth

The most important step in treating cracked teeth is to diagnose the issue accurately. This generally requires taking an x-ray of your mouth so that your dentist can identify the severity of the fracture and determine what type of treatment is needed. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment may include root canal therapy, dental crowns, or even extraction depending on the extent of the damage.

Conclusion

Cracked teeth can be a painful experience and a difficult dental issue to diagnose and treat. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get prompt treatment before the damage becomes worse. Treatment for cracked teeth will depend on the type and severity of your fracture but may include root canal therapy, dental crowns, or even extraction if necessary.

FAQs

Q1: How can I tell if I have a cracked tooth?

A1: Common signs of cracked teeth include pain when you bite or chew, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids, a dull ache that lingers, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down, and cracks or chips in the enamel layer of your tooth.

Q2: Can a cracked tooth heal itself?

A2: In most cases, no. Small craze lines at the surface level of your tooth may not require treatment, but larger cracks that extend into deeper layers will need to be treated by a dentist in order to prevent further damage or infection.

Q3: How should I care for my teeth after getting a crown?

A3: After getting a crown it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. It’s also recommended that you avoid hard foods and sticky candy that could damage your crown. If you experience any pain or sensitivity, contact your dentist right away.

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Trey Roberts

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