One of the reasons why you may need a porcelain crown is if you have a cracked tooth. However, you may not realize that you have a cracked tooth because they are hard to spot in x-rays or exams. Many times, small, thin cracks are not a problem until they get severe enough to need a crown. It's important to see the early signs as well as prevent your tooth from being cracked in the first place. Here are several signs that may indicate that your tooth is cracked, what you can do to prevent it, and what to expect when getting a crown.

You Have Sudden Pain When Biting Down

This is a classic sign of a cracked tooth. The pain is usually very sharp but goes away quickly. The reason why it hurt when you bite is that the pressure expands the crack and could also irritate the pulp.

Your Teeth are Sensitive to Hot and Cold

While teeth sensitivity to hot and cold is not necessarily a sign of a crack, if it is combined with pain from pressure, it is something to take note of. Like pressure pain, it often comes on suddenly and goes away quickly.

Your Teeth are Sensitive to Sweets

Sensitivity to sweets can happen whether your tooth is cracked or if you have a cavity or are in need of a root canal. Sugar can enter into cracks and cause irritation of the pulp or dentin and even cause a bacterial infection.

Preventing a Cracked Tooth

One of the best ways to prevent a cracked tooth is to be careful with biting down on unnaturally hard foods such as hard candy and ice. Avoid doing things that quickly alternate hot and cold temperatures in your mouth such as eating hot soup, then chewing on ice right afterward. If you grind your teeth at night, try wearing a mouth guard to keep from weakening the enamel.

What to Expect When You Get a Crown

Sometimes, things happen that are beyond your control, and you will need a crown. First, the dentist will make an impression of your tooth and try to match its color. Then, your existing tooth is reduced so that the tooth that will anchor the crown and help make it fit. If your tooth also needs a filling or a root canal, this will also be done at the same time. A temporary crown is fitted until your new crown is ready.

When all is done, your new crown will look and behave very much like your original tooth, especially if you get a good-quality porcelain crown. These types of crowns not only look nice but are also very durable and will last for years. If you think you have a cracked tooth, or that you might need a crown, then contact your dentist for an examination.

For more information, contact a company like Thornley Dental.