It can hurt to have a broken tooth. A crack in your tooth can be caused by biting down on something hard, getting hurt, or just normal wear and tear over time. It can be painful and hard to do things like speak and eat. If you have a cracked tooth, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. There are several good ways to treat it. Knowing what to do is important if you think your tooth is cracked. This guide will show you how to deal with the pain and what treatments your dentist might suggest.

Understanding Cracked Teeth

Before considering different ways to fix cracks, it’s important to understand the different kinds that can occur. Cracks are not all the same, and the way they need to be fixed will depend on their type and size.

Different Types of Cracks:

  • Craze Lines are small cracks that appear on the surface of teeth. Adults often have them, and they don’t usually need to be treated because they don’t hurt or damage the tooth’s structure.
  • Fractured Cusp: This kind of crack usually shows up near a filling in your tooth. It doesn’t usually hurt too much and doesn’t affect the pulp, the inner part of the tooth. But the tooth might need care to keep it from getting worse.
  • Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth has a crack that goes from the chewing surface to the bottom of the tooth. Depending on how deep the crack is, it could hurt the pulp and cause a lot of pain. To stop the crack from growing, it’s important to treat it right away.
  • Split Tooth: Cracks that go from the tooth’s surface to its root are called split teeth. This means that the tooth is split in half. This is a very bad situation that usually needs to be extracted.
  • Vertical Root Fracture: This type of crack starts in the root and goes up the plant. It doesn’t happen very often, and the signs are usually mild until the bone and gum around it hurt.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cracked Tooth

If you think you have a cracked tooth, you should see a dentist immediately to stop further damage and ease any pain you may be feeling. What you should do is this:

  • Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water: This keeps the area clean and removes food or other irritating substances.
  • Don’t Chew on the Affected Side: If you can help, don’t chew with the cracked tooth. Don’t bite down on anything hard or sticky; stick to soft things.
  • Use a Cold Compress: If the crack has made your face swell, put a cold compress on the outside of your face. This may help reduce swelling and numb the area, which can help ease the pain.
  • Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If you’re in pain, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers can help you feel better until you can see a dentist.
  • Contact Your Dentist: Make an appointment with your doctor right away. The sooner you fix the crack, the more likely you are to save the tooth and avoid further problems.

Different Ways to Treat a Cracked Tooth

When you get to the doctor, they will look at the crack and tell you the best way to treat it. These are some of the most popular choices:

Bonding

If you have small cracks, your dentist may suggest gluing. To do this, a tooth-coloured resin is put on the crack, and a special light is used to seal it. Bonding can help make the tooth look and work better again.

Crown

If the crack is really bad, you might need a cap. A crown is a cap that goes over the whole tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns are available in many materials, such as metal, porcelain, and clay.

Root Canal

If the crack extends to the pulp, you might need a root canal. A crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it, and the broken pulp is removed. The inside of the tooth is also cleaned and sealed.

Extraction

Sometimes, the tooth may need to be removed because the crack is too big to fix. This is the last thing you should do, but sometimes, you must keep your mouth and gums from getting worse.

Preventing Cracked Teeth

You can’t always avoid getting a cracked tooth, but here are some things you can do to lower your risk:

  • Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
  • Wear a Mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, a mouthguard can help keep your teeth safe.
  • Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools: Do not use your teeth to open bottles or packages.
  • Regular Dental Check-Ups: Going to the dentist regularly can help find small cracks before they worsen.

Final Thoughts

Having a cracked tooth can be painful and stressful, but if you get care right away, you can save the tooth and improve your oral health. Remember, the best thing to do if you have a cracked tooth is to get help immediately from a dentist.

Don’t wait to call Highland Kitchener Dentist if you have a cracked tooth or any other dental pain. Our team’s job is to give you the best care we can. Contact us immediately at 519-885-1598 to make an appointment, or come by our office to discuss your treatment choices.

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.