Cracked teeth are a common occurrence, however, they can become a serious dental emergency if they are not properly treated. Cracks are caused by many factors, including teeth grinding, eating hard foods or even chewing on ice.
There are not always signs that your tooth is on the verge of cracking, and it isn’t always painful when they do. You may experience increased sensitivity, and the longer the damaged tooth is exposed the more at risk of further damage you are.
What to Do Before Your Emergency Dental Appointment
When visiting the dentist for emergency treatment, it’s a good idea to take note on your symptoms, whether you’re experiencing any pain, how severe it is, and where the pain is coming from. Letting the dentist know will help them assess the damage and come up with the right treatment plan for your case.
Prior to visiting the emergency dentist, you should also avoid chewing on the damaged side, and avoid or reduce your consumption of sugary foods and hot or cold drinks. Your teeth are exposed and therefore at a higher risk of further damage or sensitivity.
Symptoms for cracked teeth may include:
- Swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Pain that comes and goes
Types of Cracked Teeth
Cracks in the teeth can appear in many different ways, depending on which tooth is damaged and how serious your case is. Types of cracks include:
Craze Lines
Small cracks in the enamel, they cause no pain and do not require emergency dental treatment.
Fractured Cusp
This type of crack typically forms around a dental filling. It usually does not have an impact on the pulp of the tooth and therefore causes minimal pain. However, if you experience cracks around the edge of a filling you should book a dental appointment urgently in order to avoid further damage or tooth decay.
Extended into the Gum Line
A vertical crack that extends into the gum line may mean you require a tooth extraction. Booking an emergency dental appointment for immediate treatment is vital in order to ensure the best results.
Split Tooth
A tooth with a crack that travels from the surface to below the gum line is known as a split tooth. It can be separated into two segments and in many cases cannot be saved. Be sure to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible if you believe your tooth may be splitting.
Vertical Root Fracture
Vertical root fractures begin below the gum line and travel upward. This type of crack does not produce many symptoms unless it becomes infected, in which case your emergency dentist may recommend tooth extraction.
Dental Treatment for Cracked Teeth
Cracks in the teeth that go deeper than the enamel will require treatment to repair the damage and protect the tooth from infection or a deeper fracture.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of your individual case; our emergency dentist will inspect the damage and provide you with a solution tailored to your needs. Cracked teeth may require a crown, root canal, filling or extraction; however, this is entirely dependent on the severity of damage.
Book an Emergency Dental Appointment in Southampton
Contact The 247 Dentist for urgent dental care that you can rely on. We offer a full range of dental services, available out of hours and on bank holidays.
View our dental treatments and price list or visit Smilemakers for more information on our general dentistry services in Southampton.