Never Ignore A Cracked Tooth
When you experience a complication or problem with your oral health, it can be difficult to determine what is an emergency and what can be monitored until your next oral hygiene examination in our office. At Pollard Dental, we are happy to help you determine if you or a loved one should visit our office as soon as possible. One problem that needs treatment immediately is a cracked tooth.
A Cracked Tooth Needs Immediate Treatment
If you notice a cracked tooth, it is important to visit our office immediately for treatment. We offer a number of treatments that can restore the function of your tooth. Our recommendation for treatment will be determined by the severity of the crack in your tooth. The longer a cracked tooth is left untreated in your mouth, the greater the chance you have of experiencing a tooth extraction or an infection in your gums and jawbone. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a cracked tooth:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Pain when eating
- Throbbing discomfort that comes and goes
Ways to Prevent a Cracked Tooth
One of the easiest ways to prevent a cracked tooth is to avoid using your teeth as tools and chewing on any non-food items. Some people have the habit of putting things in their mouths, such as pen caps, and chewing on them without realizing it. Other people do not use scissors and use their teeth to open packages or tear off a tag. If we have mentioned that you grind your teeth, it is important to take the steps we recommend to stop this habit. We also suggest that you do not bite your nails, as that can also cause your front teeth to crack or become damaged.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth or experience another dental emergency, contact our office, which is located in Silverdale, WA, as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.