Cracked Tooth Albany NY
What are the Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth?
Cracked teeth elicit many types of symptoms, including discomfort when chewing, temperature sensitivity, or pain when releasing from biting pressure. It is also common for symptoms to “come and go,” making it difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem. Cracks are usually not visible on x-rays and must be detected by using a high-powered surgical microscope.
Dr. Aibel or Dr. Moshman and his team also use 3-dimensional imaging to help diagnose cracked and fractured teeth.
Over time, cracks can lead to inflammation, infection, and irreversible damage to the tooth. For this reason, teeth that are suspected of being cracked or fractured should be evaluated immediately.
Don’t Suffer From Tooth Pain Any Longer
Drs. Aibel and Moshman can examine your cracked teeth and determine the best treatment to relieve pain.
Types of Cracks
Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. If the cusp fracture damages or exposes the pulp tissue, root canal treatment will be recommended. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line and extend onto the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary.
A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential. The extent of the crack will be determined under the operating microscope. Cracks that extend significantly onto the root have a poor long-term prognosis.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually preceded by a cracked tooth. The split will separate the tooth into distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. The position and extent of the split will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes endodontic treatment by Drs. Aibel or Moshman and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth. Most split teeth, however, will be referred for extraction.
Vertical Root Fracture
Vertical root fractures originate in and are confined to, the root. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed for quite some time. Usually, the tooth will need to be extracted once the diagnosis is made.