Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Cracked Tooth

Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Cracked Tooth

Teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Bad habits and accidents often lead to cracks and chips. Teeth grinding your teeth, ice chomping, and sports injuries are common ways people crack their teeth.

And when that happens, you need to act swiftly to avoid developing more severe complications. At Sargon Dental, with offices in Encino and West Hollywood, California, and Pleasant Grove, Utah, our expert team can restore the aesthetics and functionality of your damaged tooth. 

Here’s why you want to fix that tooth quickly and professionally.

Complications of a cracked tooth

A crack can cause numerous problems. You may experience painful chewing and heightened sensitivity to cold and heat. The sharp edges of your chipped and cracked tooth can also cause injury to surrounding tissue in your gums and tongue.

Left untreated, your cracked tooth can fall prey to bacteria. Over time, bacterial overgrowth can lead to an infection or abscess and spread to your gums. 

Signs of such an infection include:

What to do about a cracked tooth

See emergency care if you severely crack your tooth, especially after a traumatic injury. Apply an ice pack to your face or jaw in the region to minimize pain until you get to our office. 

A minor crack may not require immediate care, but you should schedule an exam promptly. It’s not uncommon to experience a mild crack without realizing it, so don’t ignore symptoms such as painful chewing, even when unsure of the cause.

Cracked tooth treatment

First, your dentist examines the severity of your injury to determine the best course of treatment. They may also recommend X-rays for a closer look if your symptoms are severe. 

Your treatment plan may include:

The sooner you address a cracked tooth, the fewer complications you’ll experience. And if you’re unsure whether you need treatment, call us. Better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention

To prevent cracked teeth, be cautious and chew slowly when eating hard foods. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a nighttime mouth guard for protection. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. 

To repair a cracked tooth and all your dental care needs, schedule an appointment at the Saragon Dental office near you. Contact us today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What are Overdentures, and Who Is a Candidate?

Missing teeth wreak havoc on your smile and can make even the simplest things, like eating and speaking clearly, quite difficult. If you can’t imagine waiting several months to replace missing teeth, you may want to consider overdentures.

What Is Bone Grafting and Who Needs This Procedure?

Your jawbone holds your teeth firmly in place. But bone loss can cause loosening teeth and make it hard to get a successful restoration, like a dental implant. That’s where bone grafting comes in. Find out how it works and what it’s good for.

What Causes Dry Mouth and How Can I Get Rid of It?

When you gulp water or any other healthy beverage, it barely provides relief for your dry, parched mouth. It isn’t your imagination: Dry mouth can lead to complications. Luckily, you can treat it. But it takes more than water.

Should You be Using an Electric Toothbrush?

Brushing twice and flossing daily is the minimum required for good oral health. However, you may wonder if you have the best tools for the job. Is a manual toothbrush the best choice, or do electric toothbrushes offer added benefits?

Why Does My Breath Smell?

Are you tired of your breath smelling not so fresh? It could be trying to tell you something. Here's what you need to know about bad breath.

The Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants

The versatility of dental implants may be best demonstrated in the All-on-4® system that can replace an entire arch of teeth on four implants without the need to wait for osseointegration. All-on-4 really is a “teeth in a day” solution.