Do you experience a sharp pain when you bite down on something? You could have a hairline tooth fracture (crack). This condition is more common than people think. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the world’s leading economies. However, it can easily be dealt with at a fraction of a smile makeover cost.

Common causes of tooth fractures

• Wearing out of tooth enamel with age
• Chewing on hard objects
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Sudden changes in temperature to the teeth e.g. when eating hot food and you suddenly take a swig of ice cold water.
• Mechanical force e.g. a blow to the mouth during sports

Common symptoms

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Intermitted pain
• Swelling of gums around the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold

Diagnosis

In order to be certain that you’re dealing with a hairline tooth fracture, you would need to undergo various tests. These may include:
• Visual examination of the teeth by a dentist
• Probe of the gums for inflammation
• Use of dental dye to make cracks stand out
• X-rays of the teeth

Common solutions

The most common solutions include:

• Bonding – This involves the dentist using a plastic resin to fill in the crack.
• Root canal – A root canal dentist will extract the pulp from the damaged tooth and fill it in. This restores the tooth’s integrity and will prevent further pain.
• Crown – This involves fitting a ceramic or porcelain crown over the damaged tooth to cover it completely.
• Extraction – This is the last resort. It involves removing the tooth completely. It is reserved for cases where the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved.

If you’re experiencing sharp pains when chewing or sensitivity to changes in temperature, you may have a hairline tooth fracture. Be sure to visit your dentist and have your teeth examined to ensure the fracture is caught early and your teeth can be restored.