Picture this: You’re enjoying your favorite snack, maybe some popcorn or crunchy chips, when suddenly you feel a jolt of pain shoot through your mouth.
A quick glance in the mirror reveals the culprit – a cracked tooth. It’s an all too common experience, and the truth is, you’re not alone.
While a cracked tooth may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can quickly escalate into a serious problem if left untreated.
That’s where we come in. Over the next few paragraphs, we’ll be diving into what to do for a cracked tooth and how Fort Washington Dental Associates can help.
Stick around to learn about the steps you can take to fix this pesky problem and preserve your beautiful smile!
What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?
A cracked tooth can be a frustrating and painful experience. In some cases, it may be hard to detect the severity of the crack and whether or not it requires treatment.
One way to know if you have a cracked tooth is through symptoms like sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pain when biting or chewing, and occasional discomfort.
Some people describe the feeling as a sharp pain that comes and goes, while others experience constant discomfort.
Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth should always be examined by a dentist to prevent further damage or infection.
Does a Cracked Tooth Need To Be Pulled?
The short answer? Maybe. The course of action that should be taken depends on the severity of the crack and the extent of the damage.
It can be difficult to determine right away whether or not it requires extraction. While some cracked teeth can be saved through a simple treatment such as a filling or crown, others may require more invasive measures, including tooth extraction.
Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to a range of serious issues such as infection, severe pain, and tooth loss.
One of the most common consequences of neglecting a cracked tooth is the need for a root canal. That might sound scary, but it’s actually a pretty common dental procedure that’s designed to save your tooth and prevent further damage.
So if you want to avoid the pain, discomfort, and expense that comes with a root canal, be sure to seek treatment for any cracked teeth as soon as possible.
Here’s What To Do For a Cracked Tooth:
Nobody ever expects to break a tooth. It’s just one of those things that happens unexpectedly. But don’t panic; if you’re experiencing a cracked tooth, there are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and prevent further damage.
Understand The Cause Of a Cracked Tooth:
A cracked tooth can be caused by several factors, including trauma, grinding, and decay.
- Trauma can occur from physical injury to the teeth, such as from an accident or sports injury.
- Grinding, also known as bruxism, puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and can cause them to crack over time.
- Decay weakens the structure of the tooth and makes it more susceptible to cracking.
By understanding the causes of a cracked tooth, you can take the necessary steps to prevent it and keep your smile healthy.
Identify The Source Of the Crack:
Cracking a tooth can be a scary and painful experience, but identifying the source of the crack is an important step in figuring out how to deal with the problem at hand.
One common way to differentiate the type of crack is by examining the location and appearance of the tooth. Is it a small chip on the edge of the tooth or a larger fracture that extends deeper into the enamel?
These factors can help distinguish between a minor cosmetic issue or a more serious concern.
However, it’s essential to remember that self-diagnosing should always be followed up by a professional opinion from a dentist to ensure proper treatment and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Reach Out To Your Dentist:
A cracked tooth is never something to ignore or brush off as a minor issue. Even the smallest crack can turn into a major problem if not addressed in a timely manner.
That’s why it’s crucial to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible after noticing any damage to your tooth.
Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to further problems such as infection, cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Don’t take any chances with your oral health – consult with your dentist to discuss treatment options for your damaged tooth.
Your dentist can help you determine the best course of action to take to prevent any further complications from occurring.
Get an X-ray:
One of the most crucial steps when dealing with a cracked tooth is to get an X-ray. By taking this step, your dentist can evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
An X-ray can identify the location and severity of the crack, and your dentist can then decide whether a filling, crown, or other solution is necessary to repair the tooth.
Neglecting this step could make it more difficult to fix the tooth in the future, leading to more discomfort and potential oral health issues down the line.
Choose Your Repair Method:
Cracking a tooth can be a painful and stressful experience. Fortunately, there are different repair methods available, depending on the severity of the crack.
Bonding:
Bonding is usually recommended for small cracks, where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the damaged area and shaped to blend with the surrounding teeth. This method generally takes only one visit to complete and is a less expensive option.
On the other hand, if the crack is more significant, dental crowns may be necessary to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Crowns:
Crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the damaged tooth after removing any decay and reducing its size. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two.
Whether you need bonding or crowns, it’s essential to seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage to your teeth.
Prepare For Your Appointment:
If you’ve found yourself with a cracked tooth, you’re likely feeling anxious about getting it fixed. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment and make the process as smooth as possible.
One important step is to maintain good oral hygiene before the procedure by brushing and flossing regularly. This can help prevent further damage and ensure a clean slate for your dentist to work with.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to plan for some downtime after the procedure and stick to soft foods. By taking these few simple steps, you can help set yourself up for a successful appointment and positive outcome.
Follow Advice From Your Dentist After The Repair:
Getting your cracked tooth fixed by your dentist is the first step in repairing the damage, but it’s important to follow their advice afterwards to ensure that the tooth remains strong and healthy.
This may include avoiding certain foods or activities that could damage the tooth, or using a special toothpaste or mouthwash to help strengthen the enamel.
By taking proper care of your newly repaired tooth, you can prevent further damage and maintain a healthy smile.
Learn About Preventative Measures You Can Take:
So, what can you do to prevent a cracked tooth from happening in the future?
One of the most important things you can do is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove harmful bacteria and plaque from your teeth, which can weaken them over time.
If you often have a sore jaw or headache in the morning, it’s possible that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth when sleeping. Wearing a night guard can help protect your teeth from getting worn down. Not only does a night guard help reduce the pressure on your teeth, but it also helps to distribute the forces evenly, thereby decreasing the risk of tooth damage.
In addition, it’s important to avoid activities that could lead to tooth damage, such as chewing on hard objects or opening packages with your teeth.
And of course, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to catch any potential dental problems before they turn into bigger issues.
With a little bit of effort, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come, and avoid the discomfort of a cracked tooth altogether.
Cracked Tooth? Fort Washington Dental Associates Can Help!
Having a cracked tooth can be painful and worrying, but don’t panic!
There are many solutions available to help repair the damage and improve your dental health. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, our team of skilled professionals is ready to help.
From bonding and veneers to crowns and root canals, we have a range of options to address your cracked tooth and provide the treatment necessary to prevent further damage.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – book an exam with us today and let us get you back to your beautiful, healthy smile!
