By KELLY M. DAINIAK, DMD, GENERAL DENTIST
Have you ever noticed a crack in your tooth?
Don’t be alarmed, not all cracks become problematic. As we age, we develop cracks in our teeth due to regular wear and tear as well as paroxysmal habits like clenching and grinding (bruxism). Cracks should be noted and monitored by your dentist. When a crack deepens your tooth is at risk to develop symptoms and possible tooth loss.
What to look for:
• Pain on biting and relief when you stop biting.
• Deep cracks (visible in dental chair)
• Deep cracks that are visible on dental radiograph
• Tooth movement when biting
• Sharp pain when biting
The proper treatment after diagnosing a Cracked Tooth is a crown preparation then wait 3-4 weeks to see if symptoms resolve. If symptoms resolve, great! Then the permanent crown can be placed. If symptoms don’t resolve then a root canal treatment is needed. After the root canal treatment if symptoms are resolved then the permanent crown can be delivered. In rare circumstances, there is still pain on biting after a root canal treatment and final crown. In this case the only way to relieve symptoms is tooth extraction.
Pain when biting is not something that should be ignored. Over time the crack in the tooth will continue to worsen and bump into the nerve or worse case scenario, split the tooth. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated the less dental work will be required.
In my practice I have seen teeth without any dental restorations crack and split requiring dental extraction. I closely monitor tooth cracks with photographs and radiographs to advise my patients for the best dental treatment.
Premier Dental & Implant Studio
239-992-0325
www.premierdentalstudio.com
20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd.
Suite 316 | Estero, FL 33928