When you crack a tooth, it’s important to take steps that prevent further damage while seeking treatment as soon as possible. If you’re not sure what to do when you crack a tooth, this guide will walk you through the process.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Many activities can cause a cracked tooth. Biting down on a hard food, grinding or clenching your teeth at night, and impact during contact sports are just a few examples. Sometimes sustained pressure or poor oral hygiene can weaken a tooth and make it more susceptible to cracking.
What Should You Do If You Crack a Tooth?
No matter how you crack a tooth, it is important to act quickly to protect your oral health. You should gently rinse with warm water to clean the tooth and then call our office to schedule an appointment. If you experience significant bleeding or severe pain, you should seek emergency dental treatment.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth?
Sometimes you can tell that you cracked a tooth right after it happens. Other times, you may not realize that a cracked tooth is behind your symptoms. If you’re experiencing heightened tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing or biting, intermittent pain, or swelling around the tooth, a cracked tooth may be responsible.
How Do You Treat a Cracked Tooth?
When deciding which treatment to use on your cracked tooth, one of our Prairie Dental Group doctors will consider the size and extent of the crack, where it’s located, and your symptoms. Tiny, hairline cracks in your enamel that don’t cause pain may not need immediate treatment. Otherwise, we may use bonding, a dental crown, or root canal therapy to treat the crack and restore the full function of your tooth. In serious cases, a tooth extraction may be necessary.
We Treat Tooth Pain in Eden Prairie
Tooth cracks eventually lead to tooth pain and they don’t get better on their own! If you or a family member have any kind of tooth discomfort, contact us right away. We’ll discover the source and provide solutions to restore your oral health and comfort. To ask us any questions about restorative treatment or to schedule an appointment, call us today!
Contact Us