A cracked tooth usually involves fractures in premolar and molar marginal ridges, and primarily occurs in minimally restored mandibular first and second molars. In other words, a cracked tooth usually occurs at the back of the mouth in teeth affected by cavities or a traumatic injury.
Cracked Tooth Symptoms
Symptoms may vary, but pain to chewing and thermal sensitivity are common. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort. Chewing can cause minor movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth which causes the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. While chewing, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain.
Cracked Tooth Damage
The crack generally extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root.
Damage to the pulp is commonplace. Once that happens, the tooth will consistently hurt, even without any movement. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Early detection is essential.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Cracked Tooth Treatment in Houston
Gulf Coast Endodontics can provide you a root canal in Houston if you’re suffering from a tooth that’s cracked to its root. Cracked teeth demand treatment as soon as possible. If you’re suffering from a cracked tooth in Houston, please contact us for more information, today.