There are a lot of ways to crack a tooth, and they aren’t all obvious. Depending on the type of crack, you may not notice the damage until you begin to experience symptoms. These typically include pain, swelling at the gum, and sensitivity to hot and cold. If you have a tooth with a visible crack or are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your emergency dentist in Cedar Falls. Let’s see what to do if you cracked a tooth.
The Types of Cracks
There are five primary types of cracks that can occur in your teeth. In addition to cracks, it is possible to chip or break a tooth, but you’re more likely to notice these issues. The types of cracks include:
- Craze lines are the least severe. These cracks typically only affect the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. For the most part, you won’t even notice them, and treatment is rarely necessary.
- Fractured cuspids are usually the result of a filling that has been damaged in some way. The crack tends to occur around the filling itself and generally does not affect the sensitive interior of the tooth. Cleaning the area and replacing the filling is usually enough to resolve the issue.
- Vertical gum line cracks start in the visible surface of the tooth and extend into the gum line. If the crack hasn’t quite made it to the gum, then it is usually possible to save the tooth. Otherwise, there’s a good chance that the tooth will need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or something similar.
- Split tooth is one of the most serious and obvious fractures. It is exactly what the name suggests, a major fracture that threatens to split the tooth into two separate pieces. In some cases your dentist in Cedar Falls may be able to save half the tooth and use dental bonding to help repair it.
- Vertical root fracture describes a crack that originates below the gum line and travels towards the bite surface. Given the placement, many patients don’t experience symptoms initially. However, this type of fracture is prone to infection, which will cause discomfort and irritation on its own. Extraction and replacement are usually the best course of action.
What To Do If You Cracked a Tooth
When a crack requires treatment, there are three options.
- Dental bonding is the mildest. This substance replicates the appearance of your tooth, and it can be used to replace part of the tooth or strengthen the tooth.
- A crown is typically used when part of the tooth could be saved but not enough for dental bonding to be an option. The core of the tooth is preserved, and a crown is placed over it. This protects and strengthens the tooth while mimicking the appearance of a natural one.
- Extraction and replacement are the last resort. We do this when the tooth cannot be saved. Fortunately, many great replacement options will look just like a natural tooth. A dental implant is often the best option, but your dentist will discuss alternatives with you as well.
Calling Your Dentist
Your emergency dentist in Cedar Falls is there to treat you when your oral health needs immediate attention. In dentistry that isn’t limited to a life-threatening ordeal or a serious accident. Emergency dental appointments are intended to help relieve patients from severe pain that is impacting their daily life and could be impacting their long-term health.
You should call your dentist for a rush appointment if you:
- Experience intense pain in your teeth, gums, jaw, or mouth
- Struggling to eat or drink as a result of a dental issue
- Have a visible crack, chip, break, or missing tooth
- Experience moderate to heavy bleeding
When in doubt, call your dentist anyway. Describe your symptoms, and staff will help you to determine if an emergency appointment is necessary. Ultimately, your dentist wants you to be safe, happy, and comfortable, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone when you need help.