### What to Do If You Have a Cracked Tooth A cracked tooth can happen due to chewing hard foods, grinding teeth at night, or even naturally with age. It's a common issue and a leading cause of tooth loss. Here’s what you need to know: #### Causes - Chewing hard foods - Teeth grinding - Natural aging #### Symptoms - Pain when chewing - Sensitivity to hot and cold - Swelling around the tooth #### Diagnosis - Visual examination - Dental X-rays - Special dental tools #### Treatment Options 1. **Bonding**: A plastic resin fills the crack. 2. **Crown**: A cap covers the damaged tooth. 3. **Root Canal**: Removes damaged pulp if the crack extends to the pulp. 4. **Extraction**: Removal of the tooth if severely damaged. #### Prevention - Practice good dental hygiene - Avoid chewing hard foods - Wear a mouth guard for sports or teeth grinding #### Immediate Steps - Rinse with warm water - Use a cold compress to reduce swelling - Take anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen - See your dentist as soon as possible #### Costs - Bonding: $100-$1,000 - Crown: $500-$3,000 - Root Canal: $700-$1,500 - Extraction: $75-$300 Prompt treatment offers the best chance to save your tooth and prevent further damage. Good dental hygiene and preventive measures can help protect your teeth.