Cracked Tooth? Why You Should Visit a Dentist Immediately
Have you got a cracked tooth? Have you been involved in an accident or have you been injured playing sport? If a tooth is cracked or you think you may have a broken tooth, it’s important to visit a dentist immediately.
Why it’s important to see a dentist if you have a cracked tooth
If you have a cracked tooth, it’s beneficial to seek advice from your dentist as quickly as possible. If the tooth is injured, it will be more vulnerable to further damage and it may become infected. When you see your dentist, they will assess the severity of damage and come up with solutions, which will be discussed with you. Leaving the tooth untreated could result in extensive damage and you may experience severe pain, especially when you try and eat or bite down on the tooth.
Solutions for a cracked tooth
If you’ve broken a tooth, your dentist will discuss possible treatment options with you. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the crack and any additional damage the injury has caused. If the tooth is slightly chipped, rather than broken, it may be possible to restore it using a filling or a technique called dental bonding. If the tooth is broken, it’s likely that a new crown will be required. Crowning a tooth involves placing a cap (also known as a crown) over the tooth. This helps to strengthen the tooth and prevent further damage. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metals and ceramics. We often recommend porcelain crowns, as these produce the most natural, aesthetically pleasing results.
Preventing dental damage
It’s not possible to avert every injury; however, there are certain things you can to try and protect your teeth, including:
- Wearing a gum shield when you play sport
- Wearing a seatbelt
- Seeing your dentist for regular check-ups
- Avoiding using your teeth to open bottles or packets
If you’ve sustained a dental injury, and you need advice, call us now! We will do our best to have you pain-free as quickly as possible.