If you are experiencing pain when you chew, or pain that increases with pressure and decreases with release, this may indicate a cracked tooth. A number of different situations can lead to cracked teeth. For instance:
- A large filling could weaken the supporting walls of thetooth.
- You might experience trauma.
- You may have developed extensive wear caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.
- You might have bitten into something hard, like ice or an olive pit.
Full coverage placement of a crown restoration is often indicated to encircle the tooth and prevent the flexing of these walls that is causing the pain. If the crack runs toward the nerve of the tooth, root canal therapy may be needed. If you find yourself avoiding an area or chewing only on one side, let your dentist know.