Unlike dental problems such as cavities or tooth abscess, a cracked tooth may not cause you any discomfort. Cracks in a tooth can also be harder to find, and may not even be revealed during an exam or by a dental X-ray. However, if you do notice a crack in your tooth, even a minor one, we encourage you to have it treated as soon as possible.
A seemingly small and harmless crack in your tooth is still vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, and if it’s not treated in time, you may find yourself dealing with a cavity or compromised dental pulp. These conditions often necessitate root canal treatment or dental extraction. However, if the crack is located soon enough, a dental filling or a crown may be enough to solve the problem.
But how can you know if a tooth is cracked? The most obvious symptom is pain, but the discomfort may not be continuous. For example, you may only feel pain when biting or chewing or if your teeth are in contact with a sweet, hot, or cold treat. The pain is usually brief and intense. Notify your dentist of when and where you feel pain and what you are doing when it occurs so that he can better locate the cracked area.
If you are experienced dental pain and suspect you may have a cracked tooth, contact Bradley L. Dyer DDS PC today at 865-453-2731 so that Dr. Bradley Dyer can provide emergency dental treatment in Sevierville, Tennessee, and enjoy a healthy smile as soon as possible.
