Signs You Have a Cracked Tooth (And Why It Gets Worse Over Time)

Do you feel pain when biting down, or notice sensitivity that comes and goes without warning? These are common signs of a cracked tooth. Cracks don't heal on their own, and the pressure from everyday chewing can cause them to spread deeper, eventually reaching the pulp inside the tooth. Catching the problem early can give you the most treatment options. 

At Price-Denton Endodontics, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth in Decatur, AL before they become emergencies. Call today to schedule an evaluation and get ahead of the problem. 

What causes a cracked tooth? 

Teeth are strong, but years of daily use and pressure can wear them down. A cracked tooth usually develops from a combination of factors, including:  

• Chewing hard foods: Biting into ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels can create small fractures that grow over time. 
• Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding at night puts constant stress on teeth, gradually weakening their structure. 
• Large fillings: A tooth with a big filling has less natural structure left, making the remaining walls more likely to fracture. 
• Injury: A blow to the mouth from sports, a fall, or an accident can crack a tooth instantly and lead to swollen gums. 
• Age: Years of normal chewing add up, which is why cracks are most common in patients over 50. 

Signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth 

Cracks are hard to spot because they can be invisible to the eye. Your symptoms are usually the best clue. Watch out for the following:  

• Pain when biting down: The classic sign is a sharp pain when you bite or chew, especially when you release the bite. The crack opens slightly under pressure and irritates the pulp inside. 
• Temperature sensitivity: A cracked tooth often reacts to hot and cold foods or drinks, and this temperature sensitivity may come and go unpredictably. 
• Swollen gums around one tooth: If bacteria have entered the crack and infected the pulp, the gum tissue near that tooth may become puffy or tender. 

Because these symptoms are intermittent, many people put off getting checked. That's exactly how a small crack turns into a split tooth that can't be saved. 

Treatment options for a cracked tooth in Decatur 

The right treatment depends on how deep the crack goes, which is why an evaluation at our office starts with advanced imaging and careful testing. For shallow cracks that haven't reached the pulp, a dental crown can hold the tooth together and stop the fracture from spreading. If the crack has already exposed the pulp, a root canal removes the tissue, and a dental crown is placed after treatment to protect the area long-term. 

When a crack extends below the gumline, extraction may be the only option, which is why timing matters so much. The earlier a crack is found, the more conservative your treatment can be. 

Don't let a small crack become a big problem 

A cracked tooth doesn't heal on its own, and it only worsens without treatment. If you're noticing pain when biting down, lingering temperature sensitivity, or swollen gums, it's time to get answers. Our team at Price-Denton Endodontics can determine whether a dental crown, root canal, or another option is right for you. Schedule an evaluation in Decatur, AL today and get help to save your tooth while it can still be saved.