Are you experiencing sudden, sharp tooth pain that comes and goes? At Adams & Cheek Family Dentistry in Raleigh, North Carolina, we understand that a cracked tooth can be a frustrating and concerning issue. With people living longer and often more stressful lives, we’ve seen an increase in cracked teeth in our practice.

What Exactly is a Cracked Tooth?

Simply put, a cracked tooth is a tooth that has developed a fracture or crack. This crack can vary in size and location, running along the length of the tooth. Certain teeth are more susceptible to cracking, particularly:

• Older Teeth: Natural wear and tear over time can weaken tooth structure.
• Compromised Teeth: Teeth that have undergone previous dental work are often more vulnerable.
• Teeth with Fillings: Existing fillings, especially larger ones, can weaken the remaining tooth structure.

How Do Teeth Become Cracked? Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of cracked teeth:

• Chewing on Hard Foods: Biting down on hard items like hard candies, ice, nuts, and popcorn kernels can exert excessive force on your teeth, leading to cracks over time.
• Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Habitual clenching or grinding, especially at night, puts significant stress on your teeth and can cause fractures.
• Large Amalgam Fillings: Over time, older metal (amalgam) fillings can expand and contract differently than the natural tooth structure. This differential movement can create stress points and lead to cracks.
• Sudden Temperature Changes: Consuming very hot or cold foods and drinks can cause teeth to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks in weakened teeth.
• Trauma to the Mouth: A blow to the mouth, such as during a sports injury or accident, can cause a tooth to crack.
• Uneven Bite: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven pressure distribution during chewing, increasing the risk of cracks in certain teeth.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms 

It’s crucial to be aware of the potential symptoms of a cracked tooth so you can seek timely dental care. Common signs include:

• Sharp, Erratic Pain When Biting: You might experience a sudden, sharp pain when you bite down on food, especially when releasing the biting pressure.
• Intermittent Pain: The pain may not be constant and can come and go.
• Sensitivity to Temperature: Your tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.
• Pain When Chewing: You might find it uncomfortable to chew on one side of your mouth.
• Swelling Around the Affected Tooth: In some cases, inflammation or infection can occur around a cracked tooth.

Why Prompt Treatment for a Cracked Tooth is Essential

When a tooth cracks, the outer protective layer is compromised, potentially irritating the pulp, which is the inner core of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. This irritation often leads to pain and discomfort. The release of biting pressure can even cause a pinching sensation in the pulp, resulting in that characteristic sharp pain.

Left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to more serious problems, including:

• Pulpitis (Inflammation of the Pulp): Continued irritation can cause inflammation and pain.
• Tooth Infection (Abscess): Bacteria can enter the crack and infect the pulp, leading to a painful abscess.
• Damage to Surrounding Bone and Gum Tissue: Infection can spread beyond the tooth.
• Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the crack may be too extensive to save the tooth.

Treatment Options at Adams & Cheek Family Dentistry

The good news is that cracked teeth can often be effectively treated, especially when caught early. At Adams & Cheek Family Dentistry in Raleigh, our experienced dentists will carefully evaluate your cracked tooth to determine the best course of action based on the size, location, and severity of the crack. Treatment options may include:

• Dental Filling: For small, superficial cracks, a filling can often provide adequate support and protection.
• Dental Crown: A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and preventing further cracking. This is often recommended for more significant cracks. For more information on crowns, click here
• Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has extended to the pulp and caused significant damage or infection, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. For more information on root canal therapy, click here
• Dental Extraction: In cases of very deep or severe cracks that cannot be restored, tooth extraction may be the only viable option to prevent further complications.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or are concerned you might have a cracked tooth, don’t delay seeking professional dental care. Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome and help you avoid more extensive and costly treatments down the road.

Contact Adams & Cheek Family Dentistry in Raleigh, NC today at 919-866-1360 or click here to schedule a comprehensive examination. Our friendly team is here to provide you with the expert care you need for a healthy smile.