You only have one set of teeth in a lifetime.
" My teeth started hurting all of the sudden when I was chewing. However, the pain subsided
quickly and I had forgotten about it. I had unconsciously started to avoid certain food that was harder
to chew, and I was chewing with only one side of the mouth."
Have you ever had such an experience? If so, you should question whether you have a cracked
tooth or not.
Why do cracked teeth hurt? This is because pressure from chewing opens up the cracked part of
the tooth. When you stop chewing, the opening closes and with fading of the pressure causes sudden
bursts of pain. Even if the crack itself is minimal, its opening aggravates the root which makes the tooth
sensitive to temperature change. A root or tooth may become damaged or decay as a result of a crack.
How can you treat this? Depending on the location or size of the crack, bonding or root canal
procedures can be required. A tooth with a severe crack (especially the ones that are cracked towards
the root) may have to be extracted. The regular visit to the dentistry and checkups can lead to early
detection for simpler treatments. When the pain persists, try to avoid biting with the same side and make
an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
One of my patients visited me due to molar pain. He was an elderly man of about seventy.
Despite his age, his teeth were clean and neat without cavities or gum disease. When checking up on the
problematic area, I had noticed a line of crack across the occlusal surface. After listening to his
explanation about the pain and circumstances, it was deemed that the tooth could be saved. The pain was to
be eliminated through root canal procedure and the crown was to be applied prevent the crack from
widening during the treatment procedure. A temporary crown was used to protect the molar. A
permanent crown was done after root canal was completed. I learned that even strong and healthy
teeth get cracks easily because they tend to chew and bite down harder.
I find lots of cracked teeth during the oral exam. It is rather common in people who have clenching
or bruxism. Many are not aware of their own cracked tooth which makes it difficult to advise
treatments. An effective method is to take its pictures and explain while looking at the image together.
It's definitely easier to explain and understand when images are used. Treatments consist of
observation, simple bonding, crown, crown after a root canal, and extraction.
If you have any questions about above or dental inquiries in general, please reach out to Cinema
Dental Care, 23501 Cinema Dr. Suite 114, Valencia, at 661-273-3030, www.cinemadentalcare.com.
Along with capable staff, we will offer the best service possible.
