Recurring tooth pain when eating, whether sharp and shooting or throbbing pain , could be an indication of a cracked tooth.. If you experience pain when biting or chewing food or even experience a sharp sensation when you eat hot or cold food, then it is important to visit an endodontist before the issue gets worse. This article explores the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment options for a cracked tooth.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
Beyond the surface of your tooth lies a complex structure consisting of a tooth, pulp, and nerves. A tooth becomes painful when a crack extends down into the tooth’s root, compromising the sensitive and delicate pulp and nerves inside. A chipped or cracked tooth may initially seem minor, but this damage can extend deep within the tooth structure. Detecting a cracked tooth can be difficult as the signs may not be visible and you may not experience significant symptoms until the damage has worsened. This makes early detection crucial to prevent further complications and protect the tooth from more serious damage.
Why Do Teeth Crack?
- Cracks in a tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Trauma to the tooth
- Pressure from grinding or clenching a tooth
- Previously done dental procedures, such as a large filling
These factors can weaken the tooth’s structure, making it quite prone to damage. If this issue is left untreated, it can lead to:
- Infections
- Bone loss
- Eventual loss of tooth
In this instance, it helps to seek the advice of a root canal specialist as soon as possible, to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to manage the issue.
Risks of Delaying Treatment for a Cracked Tooth
Many individuals might dismiss tooth pain or acute discomfort, attributing its due to minor issues like sensitivity or irritation. However, when it comes to cracked tooth, delaying treatment can be a huge and costly mistake. The longer a cracked tooth remains untreated, the higher the likelihood of irreversible damage.
Cracks in the tooth create an entryway for bacteria to enter thus leading to infection. This can result in the formation of an abscess, which is a buildup of pus that forms when the body’s immune system tries to fight off the bacteria. If left unchecked, a severe infection can spread, not only causing worse pain but also affecting the nearby bone and gums.
Tooth extraction may be the only solution in certain cases where the tooth becomes too damaged. This not only results in tooth loss but can also lead to extensive restorative procedures such as implants or bridges.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early detection and intervention can help prevent many tooth complications in addition to increasing the chances of saving the cracked tooth. Listed below are some significant benefits of early detection for cracked tooth:
Less Invasive Treatments: Early detection may prevent the need for a root canal treatment and instead a crown may suffice. Consult an endodontist early to discuss your treatment options for a cracked tooth.
Prevents Spread of Infection: Detecting the cracked tooth early helps treat infections before it affects the surrounding bone and gums. The quicker the bacteria is removed from the root canal, the less likely it is that you will experience worse complications such as an abscess or bone loss.
Tooth Preservation: Early detection of a cracked tooth increases the chances of saving the tooth through root canal treatment before the crack propagates deep into the tooth and extraction becomes the only option.
Cost-Effective: Early detection and timely treatment reduces the need for expensive procedures such as extractions, bone grafting, or tooth replacements. The cost of root canal therapy, while quite significant, is minimal compared to the costs of tooth extraction, bone grafting, and tooth replacement.
Managing the Pain: Tooth pain can be excruciating and uncomfortable, especially when there is an infection. Early detection and treatment alleviates pain quickly and effectively, ensuring your comfort and quality of life.
By visiting a root canal specialist as soon as symptoms arise or before they become severe, you can avoid the painful complications of an untreated cracked tooth.
Root Canal Therapy by The Endodontic Office
As our life expectancy increases, cracked teeth are increasingly common due to a variety of stressors in modern day life. This poses a serious threat to your oral health, and delaying treatment can lead to plenty of unnecessary complications – from infection and bone loss to tooth loss and extensive dental procedures. Early detection and timely treatment by a root canal specialist can prevent the issue from worsening.
The Endodontic Office is a dental practice specialising in diagnosing cracked teeth and providing appropriate root canal treatments with a focus on patient comfort and care. Established in 2007, our dental practice now comprises a team of eleven endodontists, with three clinics conveniently located in the central areas of Orchard, Novena, and Jurong East.
If you’re experiencing any signs of tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait for the situation to escalate and schedule an appointment with a root canal specialist at one of our clinics today.