A cracked tooth is a common dental problem that can happen to anyone, whether from an accidental fall, biting something too hard, or even from years of wear and tear. While it might start as a small crack, ignoring it can lead to more serious dental issues. At Brite Dental, we help patients in Paisley, Bridge Of Weir, Clarkston, and Edinburgh address cracked teeth with effective treatments. If you think you may have cracked a tooth, here's what you need to know.
How Do Teeth Crack?
Teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible. Over time, your teeth endure a lot of pressure from biting, chewing, and grinding. Some common causes of a cracked tooth include:
- Accidental Injury: A sudden fall or blow to the face can cause a tooth to crack or chip.
- Chewing Hard Foods: Biting into something hard like ice, nuts, or even a popcorn kernel can cause a tooth to crack.
- Teeth Grinding: Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth (often during sleep) can weaken teeth and cause fractures over time.
- Large Fillings: If a tooth has been previously filled and the filling is large, it can cause the tooth to crack due to the pressure placed on it.
- Aging: As we age, our teeth naturally become more brittle and prone to cracks or chips.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Not all cracked teeth are immediately painful. However, there are some tell-tale signs that your tooth might be cracked, including:
- Pain When Biting or Chewing: If you feel pain when biting down or chewing, especially on certain foods, it could indicate a cracked tooth.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: A tooth that is cracked may become sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, causing discomfort.
- Visible Crack or Chip: Some cracks are visible, while others may be hidden beneath the surface. If you see a noticeable chip or crack, it's important to visit your dentist right away.
- Discomfort Without a Clear Cause: Sometimes, a cracked tooth can cause intermittent or lingering discomfort without an obvious reason.
What Happens if a Cracked Tooth Goes Untreated?
Ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to more serious complications, such as:
- Infection: A cracked tooth can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria, leading to an infection or abscess.
- Further Damage: A crack can worsen over time, especially with the continued pressure of biting and chewing, eventually leading to tooth loss.
- Pain and Discomfort: As the crack deepens or spreads, the pain may become more constant and severe, sometimes requiring more invasive treatments.
How Your Dentist Can Help with a Cracked Tooth
At Brite Dental, we offer comprehensive treatments for cracked teeth in Paisley, Bridge Of Weir, Clarkston, and Edinburgh. The type of treatment you’ll need depends on the severity of the crack and how much damage has occurred. Here's how we approach cracked tooth treatment:
- Minor Cracks: If the crack is small and hasn’t reached the inner layers of the tooth, we may simply polish or smooth the tooth. In some cases, a small filling might be all that’s needed to restore the tooth's structure.
- Moderate Cracks: If the crack extends deeper but doesn’t affect the nerve, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. A crown will encase the entire tooth, providing support and preventing the crack from worsening.
- Severe Cracks: For cracks that affect the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, root canal therapy may be required to remove the damaged nerve tissue. Once the nerve is treated, the tooth will be sealed with a crown.
- Tooth Extraction: In extreme cases where the tooth is beyond repair, your dentist may recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge to restore your smile and function.
How Can You Prevent Cracked Teeth?
While accidents do happen, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of cracked teeth:
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury or excessive pressure.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Steer clear of biting down on hard foods, ice, or anything that could put excess stress on your teeth.
- Maintain Good Oral Health: Regular dental check-ups help catch small issues before they become big problems. Treating cavities and other dental concerns promptly can prevent weakening that might lead to cracks.
- Address Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth (especially at night), talk to your dentist about getting a custom night guard to protect your teeth from damage.
What to Do If You Crack a Tooth
If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, here’s what you can do in the meantime:
- Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and reduce any swelling or discomfort.
- Apply a Cold Compress: If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Don’t chew on the side of the cracked tooth. Stick to soft foods until you can see your dentist.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you’re in pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.
Get Help Fast
If you’ve cracked a tooth, it’s essential to get it examined by a dentist as soon as possible. At Brite Dental, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be, which is why we offer fast, reliable care to our patients in Paisley, Bridge Of Weir, Clarkston, and Edinburgh. Don’t wait—getting prompt treatment can prevent further damage and restore your smile.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or any other dental issue, reach out to us at Brite Dental. Our team of experienced professionals will help you find the best solution for your dental needs. Whether you need a consultation, treatment for a cracked tooth, or general dental care, we’re here to help!