If cracks in teeth are minor, they might not cause any symptoms at all, and your dentist will evaluate such things during your routine dental examination and recommend preventative treatment if needed. In some cases, cracked teeth can be visible to the naked eye, though these minor fractures called craze lines often pose no health risks and can be left untreated. However, not all cracks can be easily seen without the help of imaging techniques and dental instruments, underscoring the importance of regular dental exams to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. When symptoms of a cracked tooth do appear, they can vary in character and intensity depending on the extent, location, and depth of the crack. In some cases, though, the symptoms are excruciatingly noticeable. Recognizing symptoms early on, and seeking appropriate dental attention, can help assure prompt relief of symptoms and can also help prevent tooth damage from spreading or worsening.
The primary symptom of a cracked tooth is pain, though this pain can range significantly in both intensity and duration. Pain typically appears when biting down or chewing, as this pressure further damages the tooth. In fact, there is a kind of pain, called release pain, that occurs when the pressure of biting down is released. This pain arises because the damaged tooth flexes during chewing, allowing the crack to open slightly upon release and inviting painful sensation into the tooth. In some cases, pain can be intermittent, or it may occur spontaneously, which increases the challenges associated with diagnosing some cracked teeth. Cracked teeth also tend to have a heightened sensitivity to foods and beverages that are very hot or very cold. This sensation occurs when the nerve endings in the dental pulp are exposed to temperature changes, through cracks in the tooth’s outer layers.
For similar reasons, some patients are sensitive to sweet or acidic foods, which stimulate the nerves inside the tooth and cause discomfort. The nature of these types of pain and sensitivity can make it challenging to determine which tooth is causing the symptoms, and the pain may also radiate to surrounding teeth or to the jaw, which further complicates diagnosis. Dentists can use magnification tools, x-rays, and other diagnostic support to accurately pinpoint the location of the crack and determine its severity. Once they’ve made their diagnosis, treatment will be recommended, with the goal of saving the tooth and preventing future complications.
In more extreme cases of dental fracture, especially when the crack extends vertically below the gum line or when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected, the tissues around the tooth may appear swollen and irritated and feel tender. Inflammation in these tissues increases the risk of additional infection and inflammation, imminently threatening the life of the tooth, and should be addressed promptly (this may require extraction). While mild sensitivity may not seem like a reason to see your dentist, make sure you mention it to your dentist when you visit for your checkup, and let your dentist determine the cause. Following treatment recommendations can prevent additional damage, relieve pain, and preserve the tooth. Of course, if you are experiencing extreme, constant pain, or if you have a fever or other signs of infection, contact a dentist or other medical professional immediately.