What To Do When You Have A Cracked Tooth
It always seems like an emergency happens at the worst time, and a dental emergency is no different. There are a number of reasons why a patient may experience an emergency. One of the most common is failure to receive a recommended treatment in a timely manner, and then the problem progresses. When an emergency happens, it can be difficult to determine when a visit to our office is necessary. One emergency that always requires a visit to our office is a cracked tooth.
A Cracked Tooth Needs Immediate Treatment
Since we see our patients so infrequently during the year, the majority of their oral health care falls on their shoulders. Aside from brushing and flossing daily, you should also be checking your teeth for signs of a problem. In many cases, a cracked tooth will be visible or able to be felt with your tongue. If you notice you have a cracked tooth, contact our office immediately. The longer a cracked tooth is left untreated, the greater the chance you have of needing an in-depth treatment or even needing to have the entire tooth, including the root, removed. Here are signs you may have a cracked tooth:
- Sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Pain when eating
- Throbbing discomfort that comes and goes
Ways to Prevent a Cracked Tooth
The best way to prevent a cracked tooth is to visit our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning when you are scheduled. We can look for any signs in your mouth that your teeth may be damaged. If there is visible decay, we will suggest that treatment be scheduled as soon as possible. We also suggest not biting or chewing on anything other than food, which can cause the teeth to crack and break. This would include fingernails, ice cubes, pen caps, clothing tags, and packages.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth or experience another dental emergency, contact our office located in Denton. MD as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
