Having a cracked tooth can be scary. This can occur due to a facial injury. Thankfully, a cracked tooth is reparable; however, you should reach out to an emergency dentist San Jose immediately. Breaking or cracking a tooth is a dental emergency even if you do not feel any pain. When left untreated, a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth can result in more issues down the line. See a dentist who can assess and fix your tooth damage as soon as possible.
Why Your Tooth Might Crack
Your tooth can crack due to an injury. For instance, a contact sport can get you hit in the mouth, which may cause a tooth to crack. Also, you can suffer a cracked tooth because of general dental wear and tear from daily life. Perhaps you crunch on candy, ice, or other hard objects. Also, jaw clenching and teeth grinding can damage your teeth. Eventually, such things can compromise the integrity of your tooth enamel and lead to a tooth crack.
How to Know You Have a Cracked Tooth
When your tooth cracks, you may feel it. Your tooth’s pulp has blood vessels and nerves. Sudden pain while consuming hot or cold food may indicate a cracked tooth. Also, intermittent tooth pain while chewing food may be a sign of a cracked tooth. Other signs of a cracked tooth include visible cracks, fractures, or chips and bleeding or swelling around the surrounding gum tissue or tooth.
What to Expect If a Cracked Tooth Is Not Fixed?
Not addressing a cracked, broken, or chipped tooth can result in more serious problems. When the damage gets worse, pulp or root canal infection can occur. Also, a broken or cracked tooth can experience further wear and tear given its weakened condition. When it comes to these issues, rely on the expertise of a dentist. Trying to fix a cracked tooth on your own can result in permanent damage. But there are steps you can take before you can see a dentist. These include the following:
- Biting down lightly on a tea bag or gauze for around ten minutes.
- Not eating until you can see a dentist.
- Applying ice to your face, particularly at the injury site.
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers to manage pain.
What Will Your Dentist Do?
The sooner you can see a dentist for an evaluation, the better. This can save your tooth. The dentist can examine the damage and determine the best treatment to save your tooth. This treatment depends on the severity of the damage. For a minor crack, dental bonding or filling may be enough. Also, dental veneers offer a durable solution. If you have extensive tooth breaks, your dentist may carry out a more involved procedure. This can include placing a dental crown or implants. Dental implant procedures involve surgically placing a titanium post to serve as a replacement tooth root. Then, a prosthetic tooth is attached to the post.
What to Do If You Are Not Sure You Have a Cracked Tooth
Tooth pain can bring you to your dentist’s office. But a broken or cracked tooth may not hurt. If the crack does not reach the tooth pulp, it may not hurt. Likewise, some tooth cracks only hurt when you chew, particularly when you release a bite.
Whether you experience pain or not, get your teeth checked by a dentist if you sustained an injury. A dentist can determine if you need treatment and repair the chipped tooth, ensuring it will not cause trouble for you. Call your dentist immediately. Early evaluation will result in the best outcome.
