When a tooth makes a clicking sound under pressure, it can be concerning. While teeth are designed to withstand forces, this noise suggests an issue within the tooth’s structure or its supporting tissues. Understanding the reasons can help clarify the situation.
Understanding the Causes
A tooth may click due to the natural flexibility of its supporting structures. The periodontal ligament, a network of fibers anchoring the tooth in the jawbone, allows for slight, normal movement. This minor shifting can sometimes create a faint clicking sound.
Dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers can cause clicking if loose or compromised. A restoration that no longer fits securely may shift slightly under pressure, leading to an audible click. This indicates a weakened bond between the restoration and the tooth.
Cracked tooth syndrome, an incomplete fracture not always visible, is another cause. When pressure is applied, cracked sections can flex or separate minimally before snapping back, producing a clicking sound. This flexing can also lead to discomfort or sensitivity.
Gum recession or bone loss can increase tooth mobility. When gums recede or supporting bone diminishes, the tooth’s attachment becomes less stable. This reduced support allows for greater movement, which can create a clicking noise when pressure is applied.
Occlusal trauma or bite discrepancies, where upper and lower teeth meet unevenly, can also cause clicking. Excessive or uneven force during biting or chewing can subject a tooth to trauma. This abnormal loading stresses supporting ligaments, causing the tooth to move. Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can induce these forces, weakening tooth support over time.
Problems with the tooth’s root or the periodontal ligament can cause clicking. If this ligament becomes inflamed or damaged due to trauma or infection, the tooth’s normal slight movement can become exaggerated, leading to a clicking sound. Pain or tenderness may also accompany this.
When to Consult a Dentist
While a tooth’s slight natural movement can produce a subtle sound, persistent or noticeable clicking warrants professional attention. Consult a dentist if the clicking continues for more than a few days or becomes a regular occurrence. Early assessment helps identify underlying issues before they progress.
Seek dental evaluation if clicking is accompanied by other symptoms. These include pain or discomfort when chewing or biting, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or a dull ache. Swelling around the tooth, visible damage to the tooth or a dental restoration, or worsening clicking also indicate a prompt dental visit. Ignoring these signs could lead to more complex dental problems.
Professional Diagnosis and Resolution
A dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of a clicking tooth. This includes a visual inspection of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue for damage, wear, or inflammation. They may also use a dental explorer to check existing restorations and assess for cracks or fractures.
Dental X-rays provide images of tooth roots and surrounding bone structure, revealing issues like bone loss, root fractures, or changes in the periodontal ligament space. A bite analysis, often using articulating paper, helps identify uneven contact points between teeth. The dentist may also gently palpate the tooth and surrounding areas to pinpoint the clicking’s source or any associated pain.
Treatment approaches vary based on the diagnosis. If a loose or compromised restoration is the cause, replacing or repairing it can resolve the clicking. For cracked teeth, treatments range from dental bonding or crowns to protect the tooth from further flexure, depending on the crack’s depth and location.
Addressing gum recession or bone loss may involve specific periodontal treatments or gum grafting procedures to restore support and reduce mobility. If occlusal trauma is identified, a bite adjustment (occlusal equilibration) may be performed to reshape small areas of the tooth surface, ensuring an even distribution of biting forces. For bruxism, a custom night guard can protect teeth from grinding forces and alleviate stress on supporting structures.