Immediate Steps To Take for a Cracked Tooth

It can be scary to endure a cracked tooth, especially when it results from dental trauma. This review explains what to do in the event of a cracked tooth. It is important to take a deep breath and handle the immediate aftermath one step at a time.

A step-by-step guide to dealing with a cracked tooth

You can help ensure a cracked tooth (or a broken tooth of any kind) is handled properly by immediately assessing the damage and calling a dentist to find out if emergency dental care is necessary. If it is not an emergency, then you can manage the pain at home and avoid irritation until you are able to see a general dentist.

Assess the severity of the damage

The first step after enduring a cracked tooth is to take a deep breath and relax. Although a cracked tooth can be a stressful situation, it is treatable and not a major cause for concern if dealt with promptly. Next, the patient should assess the severity of the damage. This should include determining if the tooth is loose, whether there is any blood from the mouth, and how many teeth are affected. If there has been dental trauma, then there may be adrenaline that impacts the level of pain, so discomfort is not always a good factor when assessing the severity of the damage.

Call the dentist and schedule a visit

The next step is to call a dentist and explain your situation. Most dentists ask right away if there is any discomfort. If so, then they may want to know how much discomfort there is as well as a general overview of the other symptoms. If necessary, the dentist may recommend coming into the office either right away or within a few hours if they offer emergency care. If the situation is not severe, then they may provide instructions on how to care for the tooth and schedule a visit as soon as possible, usually within a few days.

Manage the discomfort responsibly

Lastly, if the patient cannot visit the dentist right away, it is important to manage the pain and other symptoms in a responsible manner. Over-the-counter pain relief medication and at-home remedies such as a cold compress can be a great way to alleviate discomfort from a cracked tooth, but it is important not to use strong pain relievers or risky at-home methods to alleviate symptoms. If the pain becomes intolerable, then call a dentist that offers emergency dental care right away.

Answers from a general dentist to FAQs about cracked teeth

The following are several common questions that dentists receive from patients in regard to cracked tooth treatment. It is always best to discuss the specifics of your situation with a dentist during a consultation.

What are the risks of leaving a cracked tooth untreated?

It is important to seek treatment for a cracked tooth, regardless of the severity of the crack or if there is current discomfort. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated could lead to worsening symptoms. For example, mild discomfort and sensitivity could lead to severe pain, swollen gums, and oral infection. Ultimately, the result for many who do not seek treatment is the loss of the cracked tooth.

How is a cracked tooth usually treated?

The most common treatment options for a cracked tooth are dental crowns, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, and root canal therapy. For a severely cracked tooth that cannot be saved, the best option is usually to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge, partial removable denture, or an implant-supported dental crown.

How can I help prevent a cracked tooth in the future?

Some people are more susceptible to a cracked tooth due to their daily lifestyle, involuntary habits (e.g., bruxism), occupation, or sport. You can help reduce the risk of a cracked tooth by understanding when you may be vulnerable to dental trauma and wearing a mouthguard (or nightguard) during these moments, along with keeping teeth clean and visiting the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning to help keep the dental enamel strong.

Get the treatment you need for your cracked tooth

If you have a cracked tooth, then it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid symptoms worsening, lingering, or leading to other concerns. At our practice, our team works hard to ensure every patient gets the dental care they need in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Call us or send us a message today to schedule your visit.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown in Coral Gables, FL.