One’s teeth are a very important part of the body, not just because they are one of the first things people notice, but also because they are responsible for breaking down the food that a person eats. Therefore, it is significant to take care of your teeth to avoid oral diseases such as chipped teeth.
Cracked teeth are those that have a crack in the enamel and are often mistaken as fractured teeth despite the difference that they have. This is because a fractured tooth entails a total break, considered a dental emergency.
Continue reading to learn more about fractured teeth.
The Definition of a Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth is a break in the tooth that can range from a small crack to a complete break. A fracture can occur in virtually any part of the tooth, including the enamel, dentin, or root. A fracture can also occur below the gum line.
Many different types of fractures can occur in teeth. The most common type of tooth fracture is a surface or enamel fracture. These are more serious than enamel fractures and can be very painful. Dentin fractures are usually caused by trauma to the tooth.
The Causes Behind a Fractured Tooth
There are many causes of a fractured tooth, but the most common are chewing on hard objects, using your teeth to open things, biting down on something hard, or trauma to the face or mouth. This can be from a fall, a blow to the face, or biting down on something hard. Grinding your teeth can also cause a fracture, although this is usually not the only factor involved.
The Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth
If you have a fractured tooth, you may experience sharp pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. People with such teeth may also feel pain when biting down or when you touch the tooth with their tongue. The pain may be temporary or constant. If the fracture is severe, there may also have swelling and bruising in the gums and around the tooth.
The Treatment for a Fractured Tooth
If you have a fractured tooth, you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible. The treatment will likely depend on the severity of the fracture. If the fracture is small, the dentist may be able to smooth it out. If the fracture is more severe, the dentist may need to put a crown on the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may actually have to be extracted.
Treatment for root fractures typically involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and then restoring it with a dental implant or bridge. On the other hand, treatment for dentin fractures typically consists in filling the tooth with a dental composite material to restore strength and function.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, it is important to understand the difference between cracked and fractured teeth, as well as understand the gravity that the latter holds. If you think you have any sort of dental emergency, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Looking for a dental office? Waban Dental Group provides a full range of dental services for your entire family in Newton, Massachusetts. Give us a visit today!
