Fix Cracked Teeth
Unlike chips or major breaks, cracked teeth can occur with no visible signs or symptoms. What you’ll likely notice instead is the pain of a damaged tooth, which is a warning sign that you should not only take note of but act on – and quickly. Not only can seeing your dentist right away provide you with the relief you crave, the solutions that she or can provide can also prevent a myriad of other problems from developing, most of which have much more complicated and invasive solutions that the one the crack itself will likely necessitate. If you think you may have cracked a tooth, be on the safe side and call your dentist right away for a consultation.
How do Teeth Crack?
Cracks in teeth can develop over time or in an instant. Simply biting into an ice cube, an overly hard piece of peanut brittle, or even a candied apple can produce enough force to crack a tooth. Clenching and/or grinding one’s teeth is also a major source of tooth cracks. This can be prevented by adopting techniques to manage the high levels of stress that typically lead to these behaviors. Additionally, if you grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent injury such as cracks to your teeth. Mouthguards are available in a wide range of price points, from very inexpensive one-size-fits-most solutions that can be purchased at your pharmacy to more streamlined, custom-made mouthguards made by your dentist to fit the unique anatomy of your mouth. These tend to be more comfortable and, therefore, easier to wear and get used to. If you have trouble getting used to an over-the-counter mouthguard, talk to your dentist about having a custom guard made.
How Will My Dentist Fix a Crack?
If you have already developed a crack in your tooth, there are a number of remedies that your dentist has at her or his disposal. To fix a crack in a molar or premolar, the solution might be as simple as a sealant, which will cover the crack and prevent infections and cavities from developing. To fix a crack in a front tooth, bonding is often utilized: a simple procedure in which a flexible dental composite is applied to the tooth to fill in the crack before being hardened with the assistance of a safe ultraviolet light. If a cavity or other decay has begun to develop, a filling for root canal could be required, but the sooner you treat the crack in your tooth, the less chance there is of problems like these developing.
What Can I Do in the Meantime?
The first step you should take after cracking a tooth is calling your dentist and making an appointment. While you’re waiting to be seen, over-the-counter pain medications can be used to soften the pain and ease the pain. Using desensitizing toothpaste to (gently) brush your teeth can also help alleviate some discomfort, as can taking care to floss more carefully. Likewise, treating your tooth with care and avoiding hard or chewy foods can also lessen further aggravation.