Long-term Solutions to Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Pain or discomfort emanating from a back tooth when you bite or chew could be the result of cracked tooth syndrome. Other symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks and tenderness, swelling, or irritated gums around the affected tooth. An evaluation by Dr. Tyler Wynne from Carolinas BioHealth Dentistry in Clemmons, North Carolina, can determine if you have this condition so you can get the treatment you need for pain relief. 

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome can be defined as a fracture in your tooth extending vertically from the top of your tooth to the dentin or pulp or horizontally across the top of your tooth, compromising its structure. A cracked tooth can cause intermittent pain, especially when biting and chewing, along with tooth sensitivity and inflammation of gum tissue. The sooner you receive treatment for this condition, the sooner you can find relief. 

Causes of Cracked Tooth Syndrome

There are multiple causes for fracturing a tooth, but some of the most common are:

• Biting down on hard substances or using your teeth like tools
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Traumatic dental injuries
• Tooth decay
• Age-related wear and tear on your teeth

If you’re experiencing pain in one or more posterior teeth, schedule a visit to your Clemmons dentist, Dr. Tyler Wynne, for a checkup. We’ll examine your teeth and take digital films to determine the cause of your symptoms so we can recommend treatment. 

Solutions to Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Fortunately, there are dental solutions for treating cracked tooth syndrome and restoring the health and function of your teeth. Depending on the extent and severity of your condition, you can obtain cracked tooth pain relief through the following.  

Bonding – Superficial cracks in a tooth can often be repaired with dental bonding, a quick and easy fix that can be completed in one dental visit. Dr. Wynne will cover the crack with composite resin material, harden it with a special light, and polish your tooth surface to give it a natural appearance.

Dental Crowns – For a more severe fracture, Dr. Wynne may recommend placing a long lasting protective and aesthetic crown to contain the damage. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings placed over damaged teeth to fortify their structure. Treatment of placing a crown over a fractured tooth eliminates pain, protects it from further damage, and lets you use it as usual again. 

Root Canal Therapy – Deep cracks that penetrate the pulp of your tooth may require root canal therapy to fix. This entails removing the damaged pulp, cleansing the tooth pulp chamber and canals, filling the tooth, and restoring its function with a protective and long lasting dental crown. 

Extraction – Sometimes, a fractured tooth can’t be repaired due to the damage caused to your tooth root. Under these circumstances, the only option is removing and replacing the tooth with a dental implant and implant crown or a bridge.

To schedule a consultation for diagnosis and treatment of cracked tooth syndrome, contact Dr. Tyler Wynne from Carolinas BioHealth Dentistry in Clemmons, NC, at (336) 793-0577.