Emergency Dentist - Apex, NC
A cracked tooth is a common dental problem. As people retain their natural teeth longer due to advances in dental technology, the likelihood of cracked and fractured teeth increases. There are many reasons why teeth may crack, for example, biting on hard objects, trauma, grinding and clenching of teeth. All of these behaviors place the teeth under extra strain and render them more susceptible to cracking.
A break or severe crack in your tooth is also considered an emergency dental issue. If a tooth is cracked or broken, the nerves inside the tooth become exposed. A crack or break can happen suddenly from simple events such as chewing on hard foods or candies or from trauma during an accident. When the nerves become exposed, they are at risk for bacteria forming from the foods you eat. Damaging the nerves in your tooth is very painful and will affect your day-to-day activities. A root canal will be your best solution to care for this situation.
What to do if you crack or fracture a tooth?
Cracked or fractured teeth are serious, and it indicates you could have damaged the inside of your tooth as well as the outside. Follow these appropriate steps after you’ve contacted an emergency dentistry service:
Gently clean your mouth by rinsing it thoroughly with warm water
If you have cracked or fractured a tooth that has been caused by trauma to your face, reduce the swelling and pain by placing an ice pack over the injured area
Taking acetaminophen to reduce your discomfort is acceptable, but do not take aspirin
Do not put any form of painkiller over the gum of the fractured tooth as it can burn your gum tissue
When you arrive at the emergency dentistry service, an x-ray will be necessary for the dentist to accurately diagnose the condition of the tooth and the possible solutions for repairing it. Cracked teeth most commonly occur in the back of the mouth as this is the area where most of your chewing is done. The severity of the crack will determine the treatment. A less severe case will need restoration of the damaged area and a dental crown. If the dentist feels the crack is a moderate case because the crack has gone deeper into your tooth, it may require a root canal with a crown placed over the tooth. The most severe case of a cracked tooth, where the crack extends deep into your tooth, the tooth may need to be removed. The extraction is always the last resort, and if needed, the dentist will discuss a dental implant with you to replace the lost tooth.
We provide emergency dental care to people of all ages in Apex, Holly Springs, Cary and Fuquay-Varina in Wake County, NC and close-by communities.
To learn more about our emergency care, call Twin Leaf Dentistry at 919.863.3933 or book online now!