Is A Cracked Tooth A Problem?
We don’t know how you feel, but it always seems like an emergency happens at the worst time. One of the best ways to prevent a dental emergency is to maintain regular hygiene examination appointments in our office. If you or a loved one experience a dental emergency between visits, it is important to remain calm and contact our office for instructions and to see if a visit is needed. One dental problem that will always require a visit to our office is a cracked tooth. Read on to learn more about why a cracked tooth should never be ignored.
Never Ignore a Cracked Tooth
Between appointments to our office, it is important to be mindful of any changes to your oral health. We recommend inspecting the teeth regularly for signs of issues such as a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth needs to be treated immediately. Thankfully, we offer a number of treatments that can restore the function of the tooth, depending on the severity of the crack and the damage to the tooth root. When a cracked tooth is not treated in a timely fashion, the damage can continue to progress into the tooth root, leading to a root canal or tooth extraction. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a cracked tooth:
- 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
Sometimes dental emergencies are out of our control, especially if there is a fall or trauma to the mouth. However, there are certain habits that can lead to a cracked tooth. Remember that you should never chew on any items other than food and never use your teeth as a tool. Take the extra time to find scissors or a bottle opener. If you are someone who grinds their teeth, be sure to take our advice on how to remedy the problem. Failure to do so can result in not only discomfort, but added expense as well.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth or experience another dental emergency, contact our office located in Bowie, MD as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
