A cracked tooth can happen when you least expect it. You may feel that you have the strongest teeth and great oral hygiene, too. But, no matter how well you maintain your pearly whites, you still may find yourself dealing with a cracked tooth.
Depending on where the crack is and the size of it, you may wonder - Should I seek treatment? Is it an emergency? Just how serious is a cracked tooth?
If you have a cracked tooth - or think you may have a cracked tooth - it is imperative that you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Can Every Tooth Crack?
When a tooth cracks, it will be its own unique crack. You may look at many pictures online trying to determine whether or not your tooth is cracked and how serious it is, but nothing is going to be exactly like yours. Which is why seeing your dentist is so important.
Some cracks are shallow and only affect the enamel without going below the surface. Then there are those cracks that are deeper and may crack all the way down to the tooth’s root. And some may not be visible at all.
Every tooth in your mouth is susceptible to cracking. However, there are some teeth that are more vulnerable than others. For example, a tooth that has been previously filled with a large filling may have lost some of its integrity and be able to crack more easily. Molars take the brunt of our force when we bite down which means they may succumb to a crack easily, too. Teeth with decay, as well.
Know this - a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. And, it will get worse. Take the necessary steps to get it addressed before it is too late.
Signs Your Tooth May Be Cracked
Visiting your dentist regularly, every 6 months, can help detect cracks that you may not have noticed - or that may not be clearly visible. This gives your dentist the opportunity to take steps to address the crack before it gets worse.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth, but aren’t sure, make an appointment with your dentist. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with some signs of a tooth in distress. Some of these signs include:
Pain - especially when eating. As you chew your food, you may feel pain with every bite down. For some a cracked tooth can hurt at all times, but for others it is only with the force of each bite.
Infection. Bits and particles of food and other debris can make their way between the cracks. Over time this can cause infection, leading to swelling, pain, bad breath, and fever.
Swollen gums. Depending on how deep the crack is, it may reach your gums. If it does, it can leave them feeling sore and swollen around the tooth.
Sensitivity. When a tooth is cracked, it can suddenly become sensitive to things that are hot, cold, or sugary. It doesn’t linger, but when a cold beverage hits a cracked tooth it can send a shock of pain through your tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you feel that something just isn’t right, go see your dentist.
Addressing Cracked Teeth at Eagle Endodontics
At Eagle Endodontics, we do everything we can to protect your teeth. But when a crack happens, it needs to be addressed. With a wide-range of dental services that can help heal your tooth, we are here for you whether you are dealing with a minor crack or one that reaches the root.
Our expert team is waiting to give you a comfortable dental experience that will relieve your pain and send you home feeling good and confident that you made the right choice with Eagle Endodontics.
We have two locations for your convenience:
Call us today to make an appointment - or schedule one online!