How to Treat a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth are painful. When the enamel, the outer covering on your teeth, is compromised by a crack, it can be very uncomfortable. And more importantly, it can lead to serious tooth decay. Cracked teeth can allow harmful bacteria under the enamel and cause a deep infection in the teeth that requires a root canal to repair. What can be done about cracked teeth to reduce the risk of bigger oral health problems?
Why You Need a Solution
Enamel is the strongest material in your body. However, it is not impervious to damage. The enamel on your teeth not only gives you that pearly white smile, but it also protects the interior of your teeth and helps to keep bacteria out. Problems with tooth decay are five times more common than asthma and twenty times more common than diabetes. Tooth decay is a real oral health disease.
Cracked teeth compromise the enamel of your teeth and prevent them from doing their job. A cracked tooth is not only unsightly, it is a catalyst for serious oral health problems. Addressing the problem as soon as possible is always the best course of action.
At Home Treatment
You can alleviate some of the pain of a cracked tooth at home until you can get to the dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to reduce the pain. You can also apply a cold compress to the area and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the risk of infection down.
The Dentist Can Do This
Depending on the depth of the crack, the dentist may have to perform a root canal and “cap” the tooth with a dental crown. In some cases, a bonded filling can be used to repair the crack after it has been thoroughly cleaned.
The dentist will assess the damage to the tooth then make treatment recommendations. In the most extreme situations where the crack extends all the way through the tooth, an extraction may be necessary. Visiting the dentist as soon as you can is one of the best ways to ensure that damage to the tooth is minimized.
Cracked teeth are a serious oral health concern. Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your dentist can alleviate the problem, relieve you of pain, and save your tooth. Contact us today for an appointment or more guidance.