If you have an injury to a tooth that causes your tooth to crack, this can lead to a number of problems with the tooth. Over time, a cracked tooth can let in unwanted bacteria. This can lead to an abscessed tooth, giving you an infection that will need to be taken care of. If your tooth only has a slight crack, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth. If your tooth is cracked in a number of places, it may be time to remove the tooth completely and consider a replacement option.

When you are struggling with pain in your mouth, you may be suffering from a cracked tooth that needs to be fixed.

If Hot or Cold Liquids Cause Pain

When you have tooth sensitivity, this doesn't always mean there is a problem. Slight sensitivity can occur after you have dental work done, and usually goes away over time. If you suddenly have tooth pain after drinking a hot or cold beverage, this can indicate that you have a crack in your tooth. When temperature extremes cause pain in a tooth, this means that the nerve is getting irritated. You will need to have your dentist fix the problem before it gets worse.

When Pressure Hurts

Your back molars are prone to cracking, especially if you are a person who grinds their teeth at night. If you bite down on a hard object and this causes you searing pain in your mouth, it is probable that you have a cracked tooth. Your dentist can test for a cracked tooth and complete x-rays that will show the extent of the damage. If you have pain while biting down, it's time to visit with your dentist to see what the problem is.

When a Cracked Tooth is Infected

If your cracked tooth becomes infected, you may have pain in your mouth that is almost impossible to control. This type of dental pain often leads patients to the emergency room for relief or in to the dentist for an emergency appointment. If your cracked tooth is severely infected, your dentist is likely to pull the tooth and restore your mouth later with an implant or a bridge.

If you are suffering from any kind of dental pain, it's time to see your dentist. When you ignore a cracked tooth, you are risking a potentially dangerous infection in your mouth.