Cracked Tooth Syndrome in Stanley, WI
A cracked tooth can cause pain that comes and goes, making it difficult to identify. At Stanley Hometown Dentistry, we diagnose and treat cracked tooth syndrome to relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and save your natural tooth whenever possible.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, and it is common for pain to come and go, which can make the cause difficult to pinpoint. Watch for:
- Sharp pain when biting down or releasing biting pressure
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain that comes and goes rather than staying constant
- Swelling of the gums around one tooth
Why Cracked Teeth Hurt
When you chew, the cracked pieces of the tooth move slightly, irritating the pulp inside. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a sharp pain. If left untreated, the pulp will eventually become damaged and the tooth may hurt constantly, even when you are not chewing. Cracks can also lead to infection of the pulp that spreads to the bone and gums.
Types of Cracks
- Craze lines: Tiny surface cracks in the enamel that are usually harmless
- Fractured cusp: A break around a filling that often needs a crown
- Cracked tooth: A crack extending from the chewing surface toward the root
- Split tooth: A crack that divides the tooth into separate segments
- Vertical root fracture: A crack that begins in the root and extends upward
Treatment Options
Each crack should be evaluated to prevent tooth loss and infection. We use intraoral cameras and 3D imaging to find cracks that are hard to see. Depending on the type and depth, treatment may include bonding, a same-day crown, a root canal, or, in severe cases, an extraction followed by a dental implant.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome FAQs
What causes a cracked tooth?
Common causes include chewing hard foods or ice, teeth grinding, large fillings, injury, and sudden temperature changes.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Teeth do not heal like bones, so cracks need professional treatment to prevent them from spreading.
How do you diagnose a cracked tooth?
We use an exam, bite tests, intraoral photos, and imaging to locate and assess the crack.
Will I need a crown for a cracked tooth?
Many cracked teeth need a crown to hold the tooth together and protect it from further damage.
Does a cracked tooth always need a root canal?
Not always. A root canal is needed only if the crack has reached and damaged the pulp.
How can I prevent cracked teeth?
Avoid chewing ice and hard objects, wear a night guard if you grind, and protect your teeth during sports.
When should I see a dentist for a cracked tooth?
Call (715) 644-3601 as soon as you notice pain when biting or temperature sensitivity.
Get Relief From a Cracked Tooth
Call Stanley Hometown Dentistry at (715) 644-3601 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit with Dr. James Gunelson in Stanley, WI .