Discovering you have a tooth fissure can be worrying, but thankfully, there are treatment options available. These treatments help fix the small crack and protect your teeth from further damage. It’s important to see a dentist to find out the best way to take care of it.
Your dentist might suggest filling the crack with a special material or covering the tooth with a cap. This depends on how big the fissure is. In this blog, we will discuss the causes and treatment options for a tooth fissure.
Causes of Tooth Fissures
There are various causes of tooth fissures, including:
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common cause of tooth fissures. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without even realizing it. This constant pressure can create small cracks in the teeth over time.
Often stress or anxiety can lead to teeth grinding. Even during the day, some may clench their teeth when focusing hard or feeling anxious. Over time, this habit can weaken tooth structure, leading to fissures.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects is another reason people get tooth fissures. Items like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels can put too much pressure on teeth. This can cause small cracks to form.
When you chew on these hard objects, it’s like pushing your teeth to their limit. Over time, this can weaken your teeth and make them more likely to crack. It’s best to avoid chewing on things that are too hard for your teeth.
Symptoms of Tooth Fissures
You might have a tooth fissure if you experience the following:
Tooth Temperature Sensitivity
Fissures can cause teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is because the crack in the tooth creates a pathway for temperature changes to irritate the nerves inside. If you have a tooth fissure, you may feel pain when eating or drinking something cold or hot.
Sharp Pain When Biting Down
Another symptom of a tooth fissure is sharp pain when biting down. This is because the pressure of chewing puts strain on the crack, causing pain. If you feel a sharp pain when eating or biting down, it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation.
Discoloration or Staining
Tooth fissures can cause discoloration or staining of the affected tooth. This is because the crack can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to decay and discoloration. If you notice a discolored or stained area on your tooth, it’s important to mention it to your dentist.
Visible Crack or Line on the Tooth
Sometimes, you may see a crack or line on your tooth. This is especially true if the fissure is larger and more noticeable. If you can see a crack in your tooth, it’s important to seek treatment before it worsens.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a major factor that can lead to tooth fissures. If people don’t brush and floss, plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth. This build-up weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to cracks.
When teeth are not taken care of, they can become weaker and more likely to break. Not cleaning your teeth well can also cause cavities which further damage the structure of the tooth. Everyone needs to keep their teeth clean to prevent problems like tooth fissures.
Treatment Options for Tooth Fissures
The treatment for a tooth fissure depends on the severity of the crack and the symptoms you are experiencing. Some common treatment options include:
Dental Sealant
Dental sealants for adults are a simple way to keep your teeth safe. They work like a protective coat that’s painted onto the back of your teeth. This helps stop food and germs from causing holes in your teeth.
Getting teeth sealants is easy and doesn’t hurt. Your dentist will clean your teeth, put a special liquid on them to help the sealant stick, and then apply the sealant.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a way to make your teeth look better when they have small problems. This process can also help if you notice black lines on teeth, making them look cleaner and nicer. A dentist uses a special kind of material that sticks to your tooth and shapes it to look perfect again.
The dentist picks a material that matches the color of your teeth, so it looks natural. They then put this material on the damaged part or where there are black lines on the teeth. After that, a special light is used to harden the material, so your tooth looks good as new.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, if a tooth fissure is too severe, the best solution is to have the tooth taken out. This is where seeing an oral surgeon in Victoria TX can help. They are experts in removing teeth that can’t be fixed.
Taking out a tooth might sound scary, but it’s a common and usually quick process. The surgeon will make sure you’re comfortable and won’t feel pain during the extraction. Afterward, they will give you advice on how to take care of your mouth to heal fast.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment used when you have a very bad toothache because the inside part of your tooth, where the nerves are, gets infected. Sometimes, this happens because of pit and fissure cavities that allow germs to get inside the tooth. During the treatment, the dentist takes out the bad parts inside the tooth, cleans it, and then fills it up to stop the pain.
This process sounds intimidating, but it helps to get rid of the toothache and save your tooth. You won’t feel much because the dentist will use medicine to numb the tooth before starting.
Overcoming Tooth Fissure Challenges
Finding out you have a tooth fissure might seem scary at first. But, there’s no need to worry too much. Many people have gone through the same thing and found solutions that worked well for them. With the right treatment, you can quickly get back to eating your favorite foods without pain.
Your dentist will help you pick the best treatment for your tooth fissure. You won’t be alone in this; the dental team will guide you every step of the way. Remember, taking action now can save your teeth and bring back your bright smile.
For more information and advice on oral health, check out the rest of our blog.