Some people feel a sharp twinge on biting something hard that vanishes at once, so they cannot tell which tooth hurts. It may be a hidden cracked tooth, which is hard to see with the naked eye.
- A hidden cracked tooth often causes sharp pain on biting, especially when releasing the bite, that stops at once.
- The crack is so fine that it is hard to see on X-rays, so dentists diagnose by having you bite on each tooth.
- Treatment depends on crack depth, from a filling or protective crown to root canal treatment or extraction.
- Avoiding hard objects and wearing a guard when grinding help prevent it.
Some people notice something odd: biting something hard, or chewing in one particular spot, causes a single sharp twinge that stops at once, while the tooth looks normal, with no decay and no swelling. This is common with a hidden cracked tooth, a very fine crack running through the body of the tooth.
Why does a hidden crack cause sharp pain?
When you bite, the two pieces of tooth on either side of the crack are pressed and pushed slightly apart. When you release, they spring back together, moving the fluid in the dentin channels and stimulating the nerve. That is why the sharp pain often appears when releasing the bite.
Common causes
- Chewing very hard things such as ice, bones or hard seeds.
- Grinding or clenching over a long period.
- A tooth with a large filling or root canal treatment, whose body is already weaker.
- A sudden temperature change, such as eating something hot then drinking something very cold.
You can read what to do about a cracked, chipped or broken tooth to know when to go right away.
How does the dentist diagnose it?
A hidden crack is very hard to see on an ordinary X-ray. The dentist usually asks carefully about the pain, has you bite on each tooth in turn, tests for hot and cold and looks with instruments. An X-ray mainly helps rule out other causes such as decay or infection at the root tip. See how panoramic and periapical films differ.
Treatment options
- A shallow crack in the enamel only: a filling and monitoring.
- A crack into the body of the tooth: usually a protective crown to hold the two pieces together.
- A crack reaching the nerve: root canal treatment first, then protect the tooth.
- A crack running deep under the gum: the tooth may not be savable and may have to be removed.
Prevention
Avoid chewing ice or hard objects and do not open bottle caps with your teeth. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect them.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Please come for an examination if a sharp pain on biting keeps recurring, especially on release. Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a hidden cracked tooth hurt most when you release the bite?
When you bite, the two pieces are pressed apart, and on release they spring back, moving fluid in the dentin channels and stimulating the nerve, which causes the sharp pain.
Can a hidden crack be seen on an X-ray?
Usually it is very hard to see. The dentist diagnoses by symptoms, by having you bite on each tooth and by observation, while X-rays help rule out other causes.
Will a hidden cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. A crack in a tooth does not join back together, so the dentist needs to protect the tooth to stop the crack spreading deeper.