A cracked tooth is a common result of trauma, old age or biting on hard foods. Whatever the cause, a cracked tooth is a serious situation that requires immediate dental care.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth
A cracked tooth can cause pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature changes and pain when eating sweet or acidic foods. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist straight away.
Treatment of a cracked tooth
Depending on how serious the crack is, treatment may involve a filling, a crown or root canal treatment. In some cases, if the tooth is badly damaged, it may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant.
The treatment involves cleaning the crack and removing any infection. The tooth structure is then restored with a filling or crown, which protects the tooth from further damage.
Preventing cracked teeth
You can reduce the risk of a cracked tooth by maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding biting on hard foods.
