Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth and the Treatment

Endodontists can diagnose and treat a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth can occur at the most unexpected times, and understanding how to initially handle and promptly treat your injury can help prevent worsening concerns and the loss of the tooth.

Symptoms and treatments for a cracked tooth from an endodontist

The most common symptoms of a cracked tooth include a physical sign of a crack, tooth pain and sensitivity, and halitosis (bad breath). A cracked tooth can be treated in a variety of ways, including with a dental crown restoration, dental bonding, dental veneer, or root canal therapy.

Physical signs of a crack in the tooth

Firstly, you can determine if you have endured a cracked tooth by simply assessing the physical nature of the tooth, particularly whether the tooth is more visible. If there is a portion of the tooth missing or if the tooth is loose, then it is important to seek prompt care from an endodontist. You can also feel the tooth for any signs of damage.

Pain that comes and goes

Tooth pain is one of the most notable symptoms of a cracked tooth. Specifically, pain that comes and goes is common, as the crack can expose or damage the underlying layers of the tooth where there are nerves and blood vessels that are sensitive to pain. When the underlying layers of the tooth are exposed to sensation or bacteria accumulates in the area, the tooth can become painful.

Tooth sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold substances

Tooth sensitivity can occur for the same reason that there is usually pain inside of the tooth, which is the exposure of the nerves and blood vessels. Tooth sensitivity that results from a cracked tooth is usually worse when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold substances, such as a hot cup of coffee or cold air while breathing on a winter day.

Halitosis (bad breath)

Bad breath can result from a cracked tooth when bacteria accumulate, which produces a foul-smelling odor. This is a sign that an oral infection could develop in the near future as well.

How to treat a cracked tooth

An endodontist specializes in the treatment of the roots of teeth, and they are a great specialist to visit when a cracked tooth occurs. An endodontist can treat a cracked tooth in a variety of ways depending on the severity of the damage, location of the tooth, and the cause. Most notably, an endodontist may recommend root canal therapy, dental crown restoration, a dental veneer, dental bonding, or root-end surgery.