Imagine you bite into a fresh apple and instantly you feel your tooth crack or break, what do you do? Our Newmarket Dentist Directory has put together this blog post so that you can read up and avoid panicking if this situation arises. The first thing you should do is organize an appointment with a dentist to get it taken care of right away. Leaving a chipped or cracked tooth untreated can cause you many problems that will get worse down the line.
What Should I Do When It Happens?
You need to protect the tooth from any more damage if you can't get in to see a dentist right away. To do this you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water and if you can, find some dental cement at the drugstore to coat the tooth. You can protect the tooth with this for a few days before you get to the dentist. In addition, try to avoid hot or cold drinks as well as beverages that are high in sugar or acid. Ensure to chew on the other side of your mouth to protect the broken tooth as much as possible. If the tooth isn't painful it may not have affected the nerve right away but it could get uncomfortable or even painful if you are not careful. If the tooth is painful and you can't get in to see a dentist right away, you can try these following steps:- Over-the-counter pain relief medicine
- Over-the-counter dental anesthetic - check with the Pharmacist in your local drugstore
- Try to remove any food debris that is stuck around the tooth or in the crack.
- If you have to wait overnight to see the dentist try to sleep with your head elevated, which will relieve the pressure on the nerve in your mouth?
Can My Tooth Be Fixed?
Depending on the type of chip or crack and the severity of the damage, treatment may vary; it could include any of the following:Minor Chip
For a minor chip that hasn't affected the nerve, it may be possible for the dentist to fill the crack or chip. They will use a filling that matches your tooth colour and then shape and polish the filling so it looks natural. If you have the piece that broke off take it with you to the dentist so they can see if it is just the enamel or part of a filling, it will help in their diagnosis.Small Crack
Small cracks are called 'craze lines' these only affect the outer part or the white surface of the teeth. Craze lines are common so don't panic if you spot one. Your dentist may recommend a grind and polish to smooth out the tooth surface to protect it.Severe Crack
A severe crack happens when there is a piece of the tooth left but the crack has spread down to the root of the tooth. If this isn't treated right away, it may worsen very quickly resulting in the need for a root canal or possibly an extraction.Deep Break
When a deep break happens, it may go so deep that it exposes the nerve. In this case, the dentist will probably have to perform a root canal to remove the exposed nerves and then use a crown to protect the tooth.Tooth Split
Sometimes a tooth will split into two separate pieces; this tends to happen when the tooth has had an initial crack that went untreated. In this case, you may need a root canal to remove the nerves and then a crown would be placed on top to protect the tooth. In some cases though an extraction might be required if the dentist cannot save the tooth.Untreated Crack
A crack in your tooth that appears to go straight up and isn't painful could become problematic when left untreated. The crack may have actually split the root of the tooth and you won't have any systems until an infection sets in. This is one of the reasons to get to a dentist as soon as possible. You don't want to lose a tooth that could be saved. Some cracks are caused by decay and cavities. A filling can weaken the tooth and lack of care over the years may cause further damage, which ends up in teeth cracking. Your dentist will be able to tell you if the tooth can be saved or must be removed.How We Can Help
Now you can see why it is critically important for your oral health care to have any cracks or chips checked out as soon as possible. If you are looking for a trusted and reliable dentist to see, have at look at our dentist directory that lists the top dental clinics in Newmarket. Be sure to call ASAP as many times these things can be fixed before they cause any major problems.* Newmarket Dentist provides general information only. Our aim is to provide the most accurate information possible, but we do not take responsibility for any errors. In order to get the best results it is important to consult with your dentist or health care professional for further information, diagnosis or treatment.
