While a cracked tooth may sound like a very obvious, hard-to-miss problem, this dental issue can actually be tough to spot. Oftentimes, a crack in a tooth is not visible with the naked eye. And sometimes, a hairline crack cannot even be seen in an x-ray. Keep reading to learn how to spot this problem and when you should come in for an assessment from your Birmingham dental team.
Causes of Cracked Teeth
A wide range of causes can be behind a cracked tooth. Dentists often say those who grind their teeth are more susceptible to cracking a tooth. Oftentimes, the culprit is trauma to the mouth such as occurs in high impact sports. They can also occur when trauma occurs due to an automobile accident. Sometimes, it occurs when you simply bite down on something hard like candy or nuts. Surprisingly, even a rapid change to the mouth’s temperate may lead to a cracked tooth, calling for a visit to Roberson Dental.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Some cracked teeth are asymptomatic. However, symptomatic cracked teeth often cause swelling of the gum, intermittent pain, and sensitivity to sweetness and hot or cold temperatures. If you experience any of these symptoms or otherwise suspect you may have a cracked tooth, don’t hesitate to visit us so that Dr. Roberson and his team can assess your condition.
Getting Treatment
The sooner a cracked tooth is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. There are several treatment options including a crown, a root canal or bonding. After a thorough examination, the dentist will discuss the best option based on the severity of the crack. Early treatment can prevent the worsening of symptoms or secondary conditions from occurring.
