It’s often difficult to feel a cracked tooth. The pain often comes and goes. A cracked tooth, however, is a serious dental problem that leaves the mouth defenseless to decay and infection. Although cracked teeth raise health concerns, many people often overlook or ignore the warning signs of a cracked tooth. Often times, patients discover that they have a cracked tooth when visiting their dentist for a routine appointment. It is vital that damaged teeth are discovered early, so that the necessary treatment can be administered quickly. Therefore, patients must know the warning signs of a cracked tooth to avoid serious oral health problems.
What are the Warning Signs of a Cracked Tooth?
- Severe pain in a single tooth or multiple teeth – the location of the pain may be difficult to pinpoint
- Unexplained pain while eating – there is often pain in a tooth when you bite down to chew, followed by immediate relief when pressure is taken off the tooth
- Sensitivity to warm and cold foods/beverages
- Discoloration of a single tooth
How Do Cracked Teeth Affect Dental Health?
When tooth enamel is cracked, pressure on the tooth causes momentarily unbearable pain. After the pressure is relieved, the pain usually subsides. Over time as the cracked tooth repetitively bites down on food, the crack widens. Then, the pulp and nerves inside the tooth become exposed causing severe discomfort and sensitivity. If treatment is not sought immediately, the pulp in the tooth will cause serious damage to the bone and soft tissue surrounding the tooth. Should a cracked tooth cause serious damage, your dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Moradzadeh, DDS, can help replace it using dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
It is important to remember that tooth enamel is tough, but not invincible. Know the warning signs of a cracked tooth to avoid permanent damage. If you are concerned that you have a cracked tooth or think you need dental implants, please contact Crystal Dental Center to schedule an appointment please at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com for further information.
