Since the symptoms overlap, a dental exam is the most reliable way to identify the source. Depending on the diagnosis, composite fillings or crowns may be used to improve comfort and function.
Serving Albuquerque, NM, since 1984, Dr. Steven Holbrook provides cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. He’s a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and is board-certified in implant dentistry as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?
A crack can develop after an injury, biting something hard, years of teeth grinding, or repeated chewing pressure on a tooth weakened by a large filling. Some are easy to see, but others are too small or deep to spot at home.
Possible signs include:
- Sharp pain when you bite down or release your bite
- Pain that comes and goes
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discomfort that’s difficult to trace to one tooth
- A rough, chipped, or broken area you can feel with your tongue
What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
A cavity forms when acids produced by plaque bacteria gradually break down your tooth enamel. Early decay doesn’t always cause symptoms, which is one reason routine dental exams are important.
As the cavity grows, you might notice:
- Sensitivity to sweets, heat, or cold
- A dull or persistent toothache
- Pain when chewing
- A visible dark spot, pit, or hole
- Food frequently becoming trapped near the tooth
Can Symptoms Tell You Which Problem You Have?
Certain patterns offer clues, but symptoms alone can’t confirm whether you have a crack or cavity. Both problems can cause sharp biting pain and temperature sensitivity. A cracked tooth might also have decay, and a cavity can weaken the area enough to contribute to a fracture.
During an exam, we can inspect the tooth, test your bite and sensitivity, and use dental X-rays when appropriate. Very small cracks don’t always appear on X-rays, so several diagnostic methods may be needed.
How Are Cracks and Cavities Treated?
A small cavity can often be repaired with a tooth-colored composite filling. Composite resin can also restore some minor chips or fractures while blending with the surrounding enamel.
A larger or deeper crack may require a crown to cover and shield the weakened tooth during chewing. When either decay or a fracture damages or infects the pulp, root canal therapy might be needed. Teeth with severe cracks extending beneath the gumline aren’t always repairable, making an early evaluation especially important.
Find the Cause of Your Tooth Pain
Don’t wait for intermittent sensitivity or biting pain to become constant. For an evaluation with Dr. Steven Holbrook in Albuquerque, NM, contact us online or call 505-881-1159. We’ll identify what’s affecting your tooth and discuss the appropriate way to restore it.
