Cracked Tooth
- Diagnosis
Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
Cracks confined to the enamel (outer hard layer of tooth) do not have symptoms. However, when the crack has extended into dentine (inner hard layer), chewing can cause micro-movement and changes in the pulp (inner core) resulting in pulpal irritation.
Cracks are pathways for bacteria to enter,
leading to infection of the pulp and its
surrounding tissues. Over time, the pulp can
become irreversibly damaged and the tooth
can hurt spontaneously even when not in
function. In such instances, root canal
treatment will be required.
