A fractured tooth can cause excruciating agony. A crack in your tooth can hurt and make daily tasks like eating and speaking difficult, whether due to trauma, wear and tear over time, or biting down on something hard. But don’t worry; various efficient techniques exist to treat a cracked tooth, so you’re not alone. We’ll go over how to handle pain, what to do if you think you may have a break in your tooth, and what treatments your dentist might suggest in this article.

Comprehending Dental Cracks

Before discussing treatment alternatives, it’s critical to comprehend the many cracks that may develop. Not every crack is the same, and the kind and degree of the crack will determine the course of treatment required.

Types of Cracks:

  • Craze Lines: These are microscopic, surface-level fissures that develop on the tooth’s outer enamel. They are frequent in adults and usually don’t need to be treated because they don’t hurt or compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.
  • Fractured Cusp: This kind of fracture frequently develops around a dental filling. It normally doesn’t hurt too much and doesn’t damage the pulp, which is the inside portion of the tooth. To prevent additional damage to the tooth, therapy could be necessary.
  • Cracked Tooth: A fracture extending from the tooth’s chewing surface to its base. Depending on how deep the crack is, this could damage the pulp and hurt a lot. Treating the crack early on is essential to stop it from getting worse.
  • Split Tooth: This occurs when a crack extends from the tooth’s surface down to the root, thus dividing the tooth into two halves. This is a serious problem that frequently needs to be extracted.
  • Vertical Root Fracture: These cracks travel upward from the root. They are less frequent and frequently show only mild symptoms until they start to harm the nearby gums and bones.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cracked Tooth

It’s critical to take immediate action if you believe you have a broken tooth to stop additional damage and relieve any discomfort you may be feeling. This is what you ought to do:

  • Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water: To maintain cleanliness and get rid of any dirt that can irritate it.
  • Refrain from Chewing on the Affected Side: Try not to chew on the tooth that has cracked. Eat only soft meals; do not bite into anything sticky or firm.
  • Use a Cold Compress: Place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if the crack has resulted in swelling. This may help numb the area and lessen swelling, which will help ease some of the pain.
  • Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers can help you manage your pain until you can visit a dentist.
  • Speak with Your Dentist: Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you treat the break, the better your chances of salvaging the tooth and averting more issues.

Options for Handling a Broken Tooth

The dentist will examine the crack and suggest the best course of action once you’re there. These are a few of the most popular choices:

Bonding

Your dentist could suggest bonding for small cracks. This entails filling the fissure with a resin that resembles teeth and hardening it with a specific light. Bonding can restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth.

Crown

If the crack is more serious, a crown can be required. A crown is a cap that completely encloses the tooth to offer strength and defence. Many materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, and metal, can be used to create crowns.

Root Canal

If the crack has reached the pulp, a root canal can be required. This process involves cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth, extracting the damaged pulp, and placing a crown on top to cover the tooth.

Extraction

If the crack is too big to be fixed, the tooth might need to be pulled. Even though it’s the last option, there are situations when it’s required to prevent further harm to your gums and mouth.

Preventing Cracked Teeth

Although you can’t always avoid getting a broken tooth, you can lower your chance by doing the following:

  • Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Such as popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candies.
  • Use a Mouthguard: Using a mouthguard can help protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports.
  • Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Refrain from using your teeth to open bottles or packages.
  • Frequent Dental Check-Ups: Visiting your dentist regularly will help detect minor cracks before they worsen.

Final Thoughts

Although getting treatment for a cracked tooth quickly can save the tooth and improve your dental health, it can still be uncomfortable and stressful. Recall that seeking professional assistance as soon as possible is the best way to handle a broken tooth.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental if you think you may have a cracked tooth or if you are having dental pain. Our group is here to give you the finest treatment we can. Make an appointment or stop by our office to talk about your treatment choices by contacting us right now.

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.