Hairline Fracture Research Paper

Is A Hairline Fracture Causing Your Dental Pain?

When you are experiencing tooth pain without any obvious signs that something is wrong, the problem could be a hairline fracture in one of your teeth. These small fractures are not easy to notice at first glance, and may even look normal when looking in a mirror. Be sure to understand the signs and treatment for this dental complication.

The Signs of Hairline Fractures

When a tooth has a large fracture in it, the signs are quite obvious since you’ll be able to see the crack that runs through the affected tooth. A large fracture will start off as a hairline fracture. Initially, the crack will be so small that it’s possible for x-rays to have difficulty identifying the problem.

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Fixing the tooth early on will help prevent the problem from getting worse and turning into a large fracture.

You should know that fractures do not heel on their own. Teeth are commonly associated with bones, and even though bones can repair themselves if they are fractured, your teeth will not. The issue will only get worse from the constant pressure the tooth is put under from everyday use.

When a fracture expands too much, it will compromise the tooth’s structure. Pieces can chip off, and the tooth can split in half. Deep cracks can allow bacteria and foreign material to reach the pulp, leading to an infection.

The Treatment of Hairline Fractures

Placing a crown over the tooth or using dental bonding can repair a small fracture. Root canals are required for big fractures because the pulp has been exposed. Root canals also require crowns to protect the tooth after the procedure is finished.

It is ideal to keep the natural tooth in place, but in some situations, a fractured tooth may need to be pulled. A dental implant or bridge can be used to replace the tooth and prevent the surrounding teeth from slipping towards the gap.

For more information about hairline fractures, speak with your