What Should You Do If You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Shawn Kimmel • August 1, 2019

Do you have a cracked tooth? Here are the next steps you need to take to ensure you receive the proper care for your cracked or broken tooth.

So, you've got a cracked tooth.

Right now it doesn't matter how it happened. Whether you've got a disintegrating molar or chipped a front tooth when you tripped, you've got to take action.

The problem that arises for most people is that they're not sure what to do.

We've compiled a guide on how to handle things when you've got a cracked tooth so that you have the best chance of restoring your beautiful smile.

Initial Steps

Hopefully, you noticed your cracked tooth when it happened.

There are a ton of different ways that a tooth can crack and some of them are more obvious than others.

In any case, it's vital to seek dental support as soon as possible. Some types of cracks can become untreatable if you delay for too long.

It's pretty easy to identify the types of cracks can be identified as long as you can see the tooth.

Chipped Teeth - Undoubtedly the most common dental injury is when you chip a tooth. As the name suggests, a piece of the tooth breaks off. Try to save the chipped portion as they can sometimes get reattached. A chipped tooth will worsen without treatment.
Cracked Tooth - If there's a split in the tooth's chewing surface then you may be in luck. If it's spread into the root, however, you'll have to have the tooth removed. Get it treated as soon as possible.
Split Tooth - When a crack goes untreated it can spread all the way through the root and cause the tooth to split.
Surface Cracking - Shallow cracks in the enamel of teeth can occur. If the cracking is only within the outer layer of the tooth then it's a cosmetic issue and doesn't require immediate treatment.

If you can't assess your tooth yourself, call a dentist immediately.

Don't let fear and anxiety surrounding dental procedures stop you. You're going to have to go in at some point, and the sooner you make it the better your experience will be.

Managing the Pain

A cracked tooth which exposes the nerve or pulp can be a very painful experience. If it happens on a weekend, it can take some time to get into a dentist unless it's a serious emergency.

The following can help keep the pain down while you're waiting:

OTC Pain Medications - Drugs like ibuprofen can help to keep down the pain and swelling that occurs until you're able to seek treatment.
Oral Anesthetics - Products like Orajel can numb the tooth and immediate area around the tooth. Combined with an NSAID they're a good way to get immediate relief.
Rinse With Saltwater - Until you can get in to see the dentist, you may want to rinse with salt water a few times a day. This will both dislodge any food particles which have become trapped and work as an antiseptic.

Try to avoid hot or cold beverages if you're already in pain and be careful when chewing your food to avoid further damage to the tooth.

What Are My Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth?

Your dentist will have to assess the damage once you're in the office. The treatment methods can be quite varied depending on the type of cracked tooth that you've experienced.

Some procedures are simple, while others will be more complex. The sooner you can get in the less the chances that you'll have to undergo one of the more painful procedures.

Chipped Tooth Repair

In the case of a chipped tooth, there are a couple of options .

If it was a large but clean chip that didn't get to the pulp of the tooth, the dentist can sometimes use a bonding agent to put the chip back in place as long as you held onto it.

If you didn't manage to keep it you're not out of luck. You can get dental bonding using a tooth-colored adhesive where your teeth are visible, or you can get a filling in teeth which aren't visible.

These procedures are pretty quick and painless.

Crowns

Crowns are often used for teeth that have been cracked but haven't reached the root yet.

This involves fabricating and placing a cap over the tooth which helps to protect it from further damage. There are many types of crowns available and your dentist will assess which one is the best for you in their office.

Crowns are not 100% foolproof as a way to save the tooth but they can prolong the life of your tooth even if they do fail.

They're often used to finish off root canal procedures as well.

Root Canals

One of the most feared of all dental procedures, the root canal involves hollowing out a tooth's pulp and replacing it with a natural rubber mixture to prevent further infection.

In most cases a crown goes on the tooth to make sure that there's no further damage.

They can be painful and expensive, but root canals are routine procedures and they help you keep a tooth that's damaged into the pulp.

Extraction

In cases where a tooth is too far gone to save, such as splitting or cracks into the roots, the only option may be an extraction.

Extractions are simple procedures and not as painful as many seem to think. The problem for most people is that they're left with a gap in their smile.

Cosmetic dental surgery includes implants and other options which can help you get your smile back. Extraction isn't ideal, but it's better than allowing a cracked tooth to get infected.

Find the Right Dentist

If you're going through a dental crisis right now, you'll be in good hands soon.

The important thing is to make an appointment as soon as possible before your tooth gets worse.

Got a cracked tooth?

Contact us today and make an appointment with us. We'll guide you through your options to a pain-free and beautiful smile.

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