Cracked and fractured teeth are increasingly common dental issues as people retain their natural teeth for longer periods. There are several reasons why teeth may crack, including biting on hard objects, experiencing trauma, or grinding and clenching of teeth. These behaviors place additional strain on the teeth, making them more vulnerable to cracking.
When tooth enamel is cracked, it can cause temporary, debilitating pain. However, if there is no pressure on the crack, there may be no discomfort. Nevertheless, when the cracked tooth is used for biting, the crack widens, exposing the pulp and inner workings of the tooth, resulting in painful irritation. Once pressure is released, the crack fuses back together, and the pain diminishes. If left untreated, the pulp can suffer irreversible damage, leading to persistent pain. Additionally, this can result in a pulp infection that affects the bone and soft tissue surrounding the tooth.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth:
- Unexplained pain while consuming food
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Pain without any apparent cause
- Challenges in identifying the exact location of the pain
