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Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Cracked Tooth
Teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Bad habits and accidents often lead to cracks and chips. Teeth grinding your teeth, ice chomping, and sports injuries are common ways people crack their teeth.
And when that happens, you must act swiftly to avoid developing more severe complications.
At Lancaster Dental Care Associates in Lancaster, California, Dr. Kamram Saidara and his team can restore the aesthetics and functionality of your damaged tooth.
Here’s why you want to fix that tooth quickly and professionally.
Complications of a cracked tooth
A crack can cause numerous problems. You may experience painful chewing and heightened sensitivity to cold and heat. The sharp edges of your chipped and cracked tooth can also cause injury to surrounding tissue in your gums and tongue.
Left untreated, your cracked tooth can fall prey to bacteria. Over time, bacterial overgrowth can lead to an infection or abscess and spread to your gums.
Signs of such an infection include:
- A throbbing toothache
- Bad breath, fever
- Tender glands in your neck
What to do about a cracked tooth
See emergency care if you severely crack your tooth, especially after a traumatic injury. Apply an ice pack to your face or jaw in the region to minimize pain until you get to our office.
A minor crack may not require immediate care, but you should schedule an exam promptly. It’s not uncommon to experience a mild crack without realizing it, so don’t ignore symptoms such as painful chewing, even when unsure of the cause.
Cracked tooth treatment
First, your dentist examines the severity of your injury to determine the best course of treatment. They may also recommend X-rays for a closer look if your symptoms are severe.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Dental bonding for minor cracks
- Dental crown or veneer to restore the surface of a broken tooth
- Antibiotics and/or a root canal if you’ve developed an infection
- Tooth extraction, if the tooth is beyond repair, followed by a dental implant
The sooner you address a cracked tooth, the fewer complications you’ll experience. And if you’re unsure whether you need treatment, call us. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Prevention
To prevent cracked teeth, be cautious and chew slowly when eating hard foods. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a nighttime mouth guard for protection. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard.
To repair a cracked tooth and for all your oral healthcare needs, call Lancaster Dental Care Associates at 661-215-8130 or request an appointment online today.
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