A cracked tooth may be a dental emergency if certain more severe symptoms develop. Although not every cracked tooth requires immediate attention, it is important to understand the more serious symptoms that indicate a cracked tooth is a dental emergency and requires prompt care.
If your cracked tooth causes a high level of discomfort or increases the risk of other oral health concerns (e.g., an oral infection), then it is considered a dental emergency. The good news is that there are effective treatment solutions that can be performed on your first visit to alleviate symptoms and help preserve the long-term health of your tooth.
A cracked tooth that is not severe should be treated regardless of the severity. However, a small crack is not a cause for immediate and urgent concern. However, if the crack is large or it leads to some more severe symptoms, then it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible. The signs that indicate a cracked tooth is a dental emergency are:
Of course, if the discomfort is intolerable, then it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible. In other instances, mild discomfort that does not go away can severely limit your ability to function, in which case the issue is a dental emergency. If the tooth causes a severe cosmetic issue that you would like to promptly address, then it is encouraged to seek dental emergency care as well.
A cracked tooth can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the nature of the crack, the location of the crack, and where the tooth is located. The most common options that are recommended for a cracked tooth during a dental emergency are a dental crown, inlay, onlay, dental veneer, and dental bonding.
If the cracked tooth is causing significant pain, tooth sensitivity, and swelling of the gums, then it is important to seek treatment right away by calling a dentist that offers emergency dental services. They may either ask for you to come to visit right away or provide tips on how to alleviate the initial discomfort and visit the dentist's office at a more convenient time within the next few days.
The following are several common questions and answers about handling a dental emergency, the causes of a cracked tooth, and how to reduce the overall risk of a cracked tooth (as well as a dental emergency in general).
If your tooth is knocked loose or is knocked out of the mouth entirely, then it is important to call a dentist that offers emergency treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, the dentist can reposition the tooth in the socket and prevent the need for tooth replacement.
Cracked teeth most often result from dental trauma. There are different causes of dental trauma. Perhaps most notably, it occurs as a result of a blow to the mouth. This could happen during a sporting event (especially contact sports), a car accident, or a nasty fall.
Bruxism (teeth grinding while asleep) is also a leading cause of cracked teeth. A cracked tooth can also result from poor oral hygiene practices. In other cases, poor oral hygiene practices may make teeth less resistant to damage and more vulnerable to a crack.
The ultimate goal after treatment is to prevent another cracked tooth from occurring in the future. This should involve wearing a mouthguard whenever the risk of dental trauma is highest, such as while playing a sport, working a dangerous job, or while sleeping (for patients with bruxism).
You can call our dental office or send us a message to schedule a visit at a time that is convenient for you. We offer dental emergency treatment for a range of immediate oral health concerns, including cracked teeth. So why wait? Contact us today to get the treatment you need.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dental Care in Columbus, OH.
A dental abscess needs emergency dental care. It is a tooth infection that starts in the mouth and can spread to the face, jaw or throat. The condition can be caused by a cracked tooth, periodontal disease, deep cavity or due to recent dental procedures such as extractions and implants. In most cases, the infection…
Emergency dentistry can tell you a lot about tooth pain. They can tell you what the cause is, how to treat it, and what to do to prevent it in the future. Tooth pain is typically a sign there is something wrong with a tooth. The pain typically lingers until the root cause of it…
Gum bleeding signifies that you must visit the emergency dentistry office immediately. The dentist will examine your mouth to determine if the bleeding is due to simple irritation or a more severe condition. If your gums are bleeding, you must see a doctor immediately so the problem does not worsen. This article explains why anybody…
Seeking an emergency dentistry solution to tooth avulsion must happen right away. In this type of dental emergency, your chances of getting your tooth back in your mouth are higher if you go to the urgent dental care clinic. Knowing how this dental facility can help your situation can give you hope for recovering your…
Dental veneers are thin shells that are often made of strong material. Your dentist will attach them to your treated teeth. These restorations may protect and strengthen your teeth, but they may still fail without proper maintenance. Proper care is important to achieve the results that you need. Here are the ways of properly caring…
Those wishing to change multiple aspects of their smile can benefit from dental veneers. They are an all-in-one cosmetic treatment that can address multiple aesthetic concerns. Not only can veneers fix multiple cosmetic issues in just a few dental appointments, but also they can give you a stunning new smile you are excited to show…