Dealing with a Cracked Tooth

There are a number of reasons why a person could end up with a cracked tooth. This includes everything from chewing on hard foods to grinding teeth at night as well as simply experiencing brittle teeth as a result of old age. One thing that many do not know is that cracked teeth are actually one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Teeth crack for a wide variety of reasons. A weak filling can certainly cause a tooth to split. As mentioned, pressure from teeth grinding can result in the same outcome. Chewing on hard candy, nuts, ice or other types of hard food will also result in cracked teeth in many cases. 

Ice Water May Indeed Crack a Tooth Too 

Some less commonly known reasons for cracks in teeth include everything from abrupt changes in temperature to bad fillings. For example, eating something that is extremely hot and then trying to lower the temperature of the mouth by using ice water may indeed fracture a tooth. Those over the age of 50 are typically more susceptible to cracked teeth. Cracks can be identified in a number of ways. For example, graze lines are very small cracks in tooth enamel. While there is no pain involved, these lines can eventually turn into larger splits. A fractured cusp is another way to and up with a cracked tooth. This is typically associated with a failed filling. 

Modern Dentistry Can Work Wonders 

Note that a fractured cusp can be a very painful condition. There are other splits of teeth including everything from those that extend into the gumline to a broken tooth and even a vertical root fracture. Whatever the case may be, if you believe that you have a cracked tooth it is important to arrange an appointment with your dental care provider as soon as possible. The good news is that today’s modern dentistry can work wonders when it comes to dealing with dental injury such as a cracked tooth. X-rays and other tools available to your dental care provider can help ascertain if there is a crack even if below the gum line. Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Dr. Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions today for more information. 

References:
[1] How To Deal With A Chipped Tooth
[2] Learn About Porcelain Onlays