Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth

Whether you crack a tooth while chewing something hard, from grinding your teeth, or because of a traumatic injury to your mouth, you have a dental issue that you shouldn’t ignore. That’s because even small, barely visible cracks in your tooth’s exterior can leave you vulnerable to serious complications — including tooth loss.

Dr. Benedict Kim and his team offer comprehensive dental services at A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio. So you can rest easy knowing you can get the help you need to protect your oral health, including emergency care if your cracked tooth is severe. 

If you have a cracked tooth, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to schedule an appointment or bypass proper treatment.

Why a cracked tooth causes problems

When your tooth has a crack, numerous problems can unfold. 

In the beginning, you may notice increased sensitivity to cold and heat or pain while chewing. Depending on the size of the crack, sharp edges of the chipped and cracked tooth can also damage or injure surrounding soft tissue in your gums and tongue.

Without treatment, you run the risk of bacteria reaching the inside of the tooth. When that occurs, bacterial overgrowth can cause an infection known as an abscess, which can spread to your gums and beyond. 

The signs of an oral infection often include a throbbing toothache, bad breath, tender glands in your neck, and fever.

What to do if you have a cracked tooth

If you severely crack a tooth, especially because of a traumatic injury, you should seek emergency dental care. Contact our office immediately for personalized instructions, and apply an ice pack to your jaw or face in the affected region to reduce pain until you arrive. 

More minor cracks may not require emergency care, but you should still schedule a dental exam as soon as possible. It’s also common to have a tooth with a mild crack without realizing it, so never ignore symptoms like painful chewing, even if you’re unsure of the cause.

What to expect with a cracked tooth

When you arrive at your appointment, Dr. Kim and his team will conduct a thorough exam to assess the extent and severity of your cracked tooth and your best option for treatment. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Kim could also recommend X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth. 

Treatment plans for a cracked tooth often include:

• Antibiotics and/or a root canal to treat infections
• Dental bonding to repair minor cracks 
• Dental crown to restore and protect a broken tooth
• Tooth extraction for severely damaged teeth

It’s important to note that the faster you address a cracked tooth, the fewer complications you could experience. In most cases, prompt attention also results in easier and less intense treatments. 

Remember, if you don’t know if you need treatment for your tooth, play it safe and schedule an appointment with an expert like Dr. Kim.

Do you have a cracked tooth? Don’t wait to learn more about your treatment options or to get the care you need. Call A Caring Dental Group at 216-230-9094, or book an appointment through our website today.