Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth can be very difficult to diagnose. It often hurts when you bite but the pain disappears quickly. It can make your tooth sensitive to temperature or certain foods. It is important to tell your dentist if you are having these symptoms because a cracked tooth, if left untreated can lead to root canal treatment or even extraction. Although the dentist may not be able to see the crack on an x-ray, there are simple tests that can be performed to be sure that a tooth is cracked. Teeth can fracture as a result of many things. For example, traumas to the mouth, tooth grinding or chewing on hard objects like ice or nuts. Teeth with large fillings are especially prone to cracking since they are already in a weakened state. Crowns (caps) may be used to cover the tooth and keep it together allowing it to function normally again.