Fracture of tooth (broken tooth), tooth crack: what is this, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Tooth Fracture (Fractured Tooth; Cracked Tooth)

What is the fracture of tooth?

Fracture occurs when the tooth cracking or breaking hard outer shell of the tooth. The outer shell of the tooth called enamel. It protects the soft inner tissue of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Depending on the type of fracture, he or it may not cause any problems, or it can cause severe pain.

Types of fractures of the teeth include:

• Small cracks, that do not cause pain and require no treatment;
• Chips on the chewing surface of the tooth;
• The crack on the chewing surface of the tooth down to the root;
• The turning point in the root of the tooth, division into parts;
• Vertical fractures, emanating from the root – cracks start at the root and head up to the chewing surfaces.

The causes of tooth fractures

Chewing solid food or casual bite hard object can cause a crack in the tooth. Teeth can break down after a blow to the face, occurred as a result of violence, accidents or during sports.

Risk factors for a fracture of the tooth

Factors, that may increase the risk of fracture of the tooth include:

• Advanced age – his teeth are worn as aging;
• Caries, or tooth damage;
• Restoring the tooth with a special silver alloy;
• Chewing solids, such as ice or hard candy.

Symptoms of a fracture of the tooth

Not all teeth fractures cause symptoms. For Example, small cracks tooth rarely cause problems.

Other fractures may increase the sensitivity to fluids, Food and cause an increased growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. This can lead to irritation or infection of the pulp rise and cause:

• Pain while chewing;
• Chewing only one side of the mouth, to avoid discomfort;
• Acute pain at the bite of a solid object;
• Pain inhalation of cold air;
• Random pain.

Vertical fractures, emanating from the root can be invisible, unless there is an infection of bone or gum.

Diagnosis of tooth fracture

Tooth decay may not be visible to the naked eye. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and may ask the following questions:

• Is it difficult to bite any objects ?
• When you notice a pain in the tooth?
• What foods cause tooth pain?

You may, You will not be able to accurately determine tooth, where there is a crack. The doctor will look for a fracture on the basis of your information. To help find a fracture or to determine the extent of tooth decay, dentist can do the following tests:

• Applying to teeth staining solution, to see the crack;
• Transillyuminatsiya – passage of light through the tooth;
• Periodontal probing with special tools, to determine the degree of damage;
• Test to taste – you will be asked will bite the stick, to determine the specific tooth, which causes problems;
• Roentgen – You can find more problems, since the X-ray image can be seen, not all fractures.

Early detection can help save the tooth before, as the fracture progresses.

Treatment of fractures of the tooth

Fracture of the tooth can not be cured directly. The goal of treatment is to protect teeth, including pulp, under enamel.

Treatment will depend on the severity of damage to teeth. Treatment options may include tooth fracture:

• Installing a dental crown – “cover”, protects the surface of the tooth. First the temporary crown, To make sure, that it can help to solve the problem. If all goes well, instead of a temporary crown is set constant;
• Cleaning the root canals – it may be necessary, if there is serious damage to the pulp. This damage to the pulp is removed from the root canal, and the cavity filled with special filler;
• Removal of a tooth – tooth, perhaps, It should be removed, If the crack extends below the gum line.

Prevention of tooth fracture

To reduce the likelihood of damage to teeth, proceed as follows:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, caramel, popcorn kernels or Pens;
• Wear a mouth guard when playing sports;
• Do not use your teeth as a tool for biting unsuitable items or open plastic bags;
• Avoid squeezing or rubbing the teeth against each other, or various solid objects;
• Consult your dentist, if you grinds his teeth in his sleep.