Your smile’s condition affects your overall health and confidence, so when a dental emergency occurs, like a cracked or broken tooth, it’s vital to know how to handle it. Understanding what causes them to break, what to do while waiting for dental care, and what a dentist will do when you arrive will ensure that you are prepared for a dental emergency. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential information regarding broken or cracked teeth.
How Does It Happen?
Various situations can damage teeth. Facial trauma -- such as that sustained through car accidents, sporting injuries, or playground accidents -- often results in cracked or broken teeth. Biting down onto something hard, such as an apple, can also cause damage. Grinding your teeth can crack them, as well, and teeth that have had extensive dental work done, like a large filling or root canal, are more susceptible to breakages. This is why they’re often covered with dental crowns.
What Do I Do?
If you’ve broken or cracked a tooth, don’t panic. Rinse your mouth out with lukewarm water to clean it, and place an ice pack or cold compress on your face to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Schedule an emergency dental care appointment as soon as possible, and bring any pieces of the tooth with you that you can. Preserve them by wrapping them in wet gauze.
What Will the Dentist Do?
The dental treatment you receive will depend on the damage. For minor damage, dental bonding or filling may be done to restore shape and aesthetic. In some cases, if you brought a piece of your tooth with you, they might be able to put it back in place with dental cement.
Severe cracks or breaks may require a dental crown to be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage, infection, or sensitivity. Breaks that expose the nerves of the tooth may call for a root canal to prevent infection and pain. A crack that extends below the gum line may call for endodontic surgery or for the tooth to be extracted. Extracted teeth can be replaced with an implant or a bridge.
Have you cracked or broken a tooth and need to see a dentist? You’ll receive gentle, effective care from Dr. Hulse at Hulse Dental in Onalaska, WI. With over 20 years of experience, they offer comprehensive, personalized care. They will provide the best treatment option for you, whether it’s filling, bonding, placing a crown, root canal therapy, or extraction. Read more about their services online, and call their team at (608) 783-1306 to schedule an emergency appointment.