Your teeth are built to be strong and durable, but they are not immune to everything. Physical injury, infection, and general wear and tear can really take their toll. Sudden or intense pain may be indicative of a dental concern that you may not have been aware of. It can be difficult to know what to do at the moment you sustain the injury, but many of our Bedford Dental Group patients will ask, “What should I do with a cracked tooth?”
What Should I Do With a Cracked Tooth?
It’s important that you seek professional dental care as soon as you notice a crack in your tooth. Whether minor or major, a crack should be taken care of right away so you can stay in good dental health.
How Tooth Cracks Occur
It is not uncommon to get a crack or chip in your tooth based on the circumstances of life. The molars get cracked most regularly because they are used to chew all of your food. You may have bitten down on something hard that caused the top of your teeth to break.
You may also wear your teeth down over time. Excessive grinding and strain can weaken the outermost layer of your teeth known as the enamel. This protective layer gives way to more sensitive parts of your tooth, making it more susceptible to cracks. You might not notice the crack at first, as it doesn’t always cause pain right away.
Treating Cracked Teeth On the Spot
The first thing you need to do is visit your dentist for a cracked tooth. Call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. While you wait for it, there are a few things you should do:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything on that side of your mouth.
- Keep cold and hot things away from the area.
- Take note of your pain, what type of pain it is, and where it is coming from.
- Refrain from touching or putting pressure on the cracked tooth.
It is also important for your dentist to determine whether you are dealing with a major or minor crack on your teeth. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of the crack.
Professional Treatments for Cracked Teeth
Your dentist in Beverly Hills may prescribe different treatments depending on the location and depth of the crack. Cracks that do not extend past the enamel can be easily repaired through dental bonding or cosmetic dentistry procedures. If the crack is further down, you may need a root canal to deaden the tooth in order to prevent further decay.
The worst-case scenario for a cracked tooth would involve tooth extraction. This is only a necessary procedure if the tooth is too deeply cracked beyond repair. Extraction will prevent future problems that would likely be spread by the cracked tooth. It is especially imperative to let your dentist know whether the crack is on your molars or one of your front teeth, as different treatment options may be available.
Get Emergency Dental Care ASAP
A cracked tooth is a big deal, no matter how small it is. While you may not notice a crack at first, oncoming symptoms of pain and discomfort may alert you to the issue. At the first sign of a cracked tooth, you should visit your local emergency dentist in Beverly Hills. Our experts can quickly and carefully take care of your tooth through the best treatment methods available.
Give our office a call today and schedule a personal consultation with our dental experts. Dealing with a crack from sudden injury or infection? Don’t wait! Schedule your emergency dental appointment ASAP.
