There may be cracks in the teeth, and even if you cannot immediately see them, they can hurt.
What are dentin fractions?
A fraction in the dentin (which is the yellowish layer under the enamel) is called a dentin fraction. Such a fraction cannot be seen from the outside, so it is both difficult for you and your dentist to locate the problem and the affected tooth. A fraction in the enamel is normal and typically does not cause problems. Conversely, you can feel a fraction in the dentine.
How does a dentin fraction feel?
Sometimes a crack does not hurt, but if it does, you will experience pain when chewing on something hard. The tooth can also be icy if it is exposed to something hot or cold.
Can the dentist discover the fraction?
In short, no. If you get a fraction in a tooth, it is typically a tooth that already has a filling or has been treated already. The dentist cannot see the fraction from the outside, nor can he or she see it on an X-ray. The dentist’s best way to locate the tooth with a fraction is to make a bite test (with a frac-finder). If the dentist cannot find the tooth with certainty, you will probably be encouraged to watch the time and try to remember which tooth the pain comes from.
How does a dentin fraction occur?
- The tooth has been used for several years and has been weakened
- If the tooth has a big filling
- If the tooth has had a root canal treatment
- The crack will occur where the tooth is weakest, and typically occurs in a molar with large fillings, because they are exposed to a lot of pressure.
When should the tooth be treated?
If you do not experience any symptoms, the tooth does not need to be treated. But if you experience any symptoms the tooth needs to be treated.
If the tooth is not treated, the nerve may be damaged and the tooth may need a root canal treatment. A tooth can also end up splitting. Is it only a little piece that breaks off, it can be repaired again, but splitting the whole tooth, you have to get a tooth extraction.
Prevention and treatment
The most preventing thing you can do according to cracks, is not to get cavities and fillings.
If a dentin fraction is detected in one of your teeth, the dentist will first try to stabilize the tooth. If you only have a small filling in the affected tooth, you can try to “glue” the tooth back together with a plastic filling, and grind the surface so that your antagonist tooth does not press down on the weak part of the tooth. This can sometimes be enough.
If the tooth has had a large filling, or if it is exposed to a heavy load, a crown may be necessary. If the nerve has been damaged, unfortunately a root canal treatment is needed. However, a crack may be unfavorably placed, and the tooth may end up splitting, sometimes in the middle of treatment. In this case, the tooth must be extracted.
