Some cracks in teeth, such as minor craze lines, are asymptomatic. Others are symptomatic and can be detected in a number of ways. If a tooth you bite down on gives a "zing," that is clear evidence of a crack in the enamel.
Sensitivity to heat or cold can also be a sign of a cracked tooth. Some cracks are even visible, particularly on back teeth. People can actually look at their teeth in the mirror and see a separation when they bite down.
People often assume the worse when they suspect they have a cracked tooth. Horrific images of the tooth breaking in two may pop into their minds. Seldom is this the case. The following summaries should provide any person suffering from suspicious symptoms of discomfort with a good frame of reference and a workable plan of action.
Craze lines
These are tiny cracks that are very superficial and often difficult for a person to see. They are found mostly in the outer enamel layer of the teeth. Minor craze lines are so superficial they require no attention at all.
In fact, almost all of us get them as we age, and many people never realize they have craze lines. However, because they are common on anterior teeth, they can accumulate stains that brushing cannot remove. If this happens, cosmetic dental veneers or cosmetic dental bonding can whiten the teeth and prevent the cracks from getting deeper.
Other teeth have symptomatic cracks that cause sensitivity or pain. Seek out immediate dental attention from a practice with the most sophisticated dental imaging technology available. Standard x-rays often do not detect cracks in teeth and will certainly not detect craze lines. Something more sophisticated, such as an intraoral camera, is needed for this.
Cracks through the Dentin
The dentin layer of the toot lies between the outer enamel and the inner nerve center. If a crack penetrates the dentin layer, it will begin to agitate the nerve, causing pain or discomfort every time the person eats and drinks. If ignored, the crack will eventually penetrate the nerve chamber and affect the nerve. At this point, a root canal and dental crown will be necessary.
If the crack is detected in time, however, dental bonding or an onlay can sometimes be used to treat the tooth.
Unfortunately, many people fear going to the dentist, period. If they see the type of staining that is often caused by craze lines, they may just ignore it altogether.
If they feel a sharp pain while drinking iced tea they may plan on doing something about it, but procrastinate on calling a dentist immediately. The problem is, minor problems do not always remain minor. While cracked teeth do not always fracture completely there is always a risk of infection and the need for an eventual root canal if the person waits too long.
It is always better to call a dentist as soon as you think you have even a minor crack in one of your teeth. If it is truly minor, it can be fixed affordably and simple before it becomes bigger, more painful, and more expensive later.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly.
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