I Cracked My Tooth! What Should I Do Now?

Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst possible time, and it is difficult to know what to do. Not only can cracked teeth affect your appearance, but they can be incredible painful and only get worse if left untreated. There are many different ways that this can happen and thankfully, there are a variety of different treatments for this particular issue. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about your cracked tooth in Jacksonville.

What Causes a Tooth to Crack?

There are several ways that your tooth can become cracked. Here are the most common reasons for a cracked tooth:

• Biting on hard, non-food objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails
• Accidental injuries related to a blow or fall
• Eating hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts
• Teeth grinding, also known as “bruxism”

What Can I Do to Prevent More Damage?

When you first realize that you’ve broken a tooth, you should give your dentist a call. They will be able to give you the best advice and get you into the office as soon as possible. Not only can they explain how to best care for the tooth until you get to the practice, they will also be able to give you advice of relieving pain and discomfort.

You should avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where you have the crack and avoid foods and beverages that are too hot and cold. This can cause additional sensitivity in the mouth. In order to keep bacteria away from the area, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.

How Is a Cracked Tooth Repaired?

The treatment and cost for repairing a cracked tooth depends on the size and severity of the crack. Your dentist will probably recommend one of the following treatments:

• Direct Bonding: In this case, your dentist uses a composite resin to fill the crack and restore the function of the tooth.

• Porcelain Veneers: Another way dentists can fix external cracks is through a porcelain veneer, this is a thin shell that can cover the front surface of your tooth after a thin layer of enamel is removed.

• Crown: This is a cap that fits overtop your damaged tooth. This is ideal if the crack is deep but does not reach the center of your tooth.

• Root canal: If the crack reaches the center of your tooth, it may be necessary for your dentist to perform a root canal to remove infected tissue inside of the tooth.

• Extraction: If your tooth is damaged beyond repair, your dentist may opt to extract it completely. This can then be replaced with a bridge or dental implant.

If you cracked your tooth, don’t panic. Just give your emergency dentist in Jacksonville a call. You will be able to receive treatment and get back on your feet in a minimal amount of time.

About the Author

Dr. Sol G. Brotman is an emergency dentist serving patients in Jacksonville, FL. He earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland Dental School and is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. Some of his many honors include Fellowship status in the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentist, and the Academy of Dentistry International. If you have a cracked tooth, Dr. Brotman and his team would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit his website or call (904) 396-4091.