A cracked tooth could happen anytime. This could be when you’re enjoying a pleasant Saturday on the hiking trails of Ray Roberts Lake, or a nice Saturday afternoon enjoying a backyard barbecue with family. Regardless, pain can set in, leaving you unsure of the appropriate response. Most will try to convince themselves that they can wait until Monday, but there can be negative repercussions. The longer that you have a cracked tooth, the greater the risk that you will experience more damage or problems with it.

A cracked tooth left untreated has the potential to get worse, which could lead to an even more aggressive procedure being done in the long run. Waiting until Sunday, or even waiting for the first available opening in the schedule for a dentist, would only increase the potential for severe pain, infection, and long-term damage. Emergency dentistry aims to address urgent needs rapidly and efficiently.

Why Waiting for Treatment Can Make Matters Worse

While ignoring a cracked tooth may seem fine at first, it could lead to severe complications down the line. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack is to grow larger and cause more extensive problems. Read below for reasons to seek prompt dental care for a cracked tooth.

1. More likely to develop infections: A cracked tooth may make its inner layers more vulnerable to bacteria, increasing your risk of infection and inflammation in nearby areas such as the gums, root, and/or jawbone. Your cracks are more likely to spread through additional layers of your tooth, causing greater damage to its structure and potentially requiring more dental work in the future.
2. Compromised Bite and Jaw Alignment: If you have a back tooth that is cracked, it is possible to change your bite and cause jaw pain that will make it difficult to speak, eat, and sleep.
3. Need for Root Canal or Extraction: If the crack becomes large enough to cause damage to more areas of your tooth, it may even require a root canal or possibly an extraction.
4. More Pain and Discomfort: The longer you wait to get treatment for a cracked tooth, the more pain you will likely feel, as the pain is more difficult to subside and take care of.
5. Higher Costs and Complex Treatment: You may have to spend more money and require more time to fix the cracked tooth, but a dental emergency visit can also lead to fewer, quicker, less intrusive treatments that allow for a speedy recovery.
6. Emergency Care for Faster Relief: Emergency dentists can treat you quickly to alleviate pain and prevent future problems.

When To Go To An Emergency Dentist

You might think a small chip or crack in your tooth can be ignored for a while, but there are several indicators you need an emergency dentist in Justin straight away, and the sooner the better to avoid further damage:

1. Pain When Biting Down: If you feel sharp pain when biting down, it may be because the crack in your tooth is very deep and you need immediate attention to prevent further damage.
2. Lingering Ache: If you have a constant ache that persists, it could be that the crack is causing more damage to your tooth, or an infection is beginning to develop.
3. You Can See The Crack: If you can see a crack or chip in your tooth, you should visit the dentist right away to ensure it doesn’t break any further.
4. Swelling Or Bleeding Gums: This is typically the first indicator of an infection developing and requires urgent treatment.
5. Severe Pain: If you are in severe pain, the damage done is usually serious, and you need immediate help.

What Happens During Emergency Treatment for a Cracked Tooth?

The first part of your visit to the emergency dentist in Justin to fix your cracked tooth will involve diagnosing the injury. Your emergency dentist will be able to look more closely at the crack and, with an X-ray, determine whether there is any underlying problem, such as a root canal infection or nerve damage. When they have reached an informed diagnosis about the condition of your cracked tooth, they will then provide you with different treatment options to fix your dental health.

A simple filling or bonding will be applied to fill the crack and prevent further damage or injury. If the crack is more serious or extends further down the root of your tooth, it may mean that a root canal and a crown may be necessary. No matter how serious the problem is, your emergency dentist can help and fix your tooth before it escalates.

What You Can Do To Help Until Help Arrives

Until you can see an emergency dentist, there are steps you can take to manage the situation and prevent further damage. This includes:

1. Rinsing With Warm Water: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean out the mouth and prevent infection.
2. Cover The Sharp Edge: If the tooth has a sharp edge, cover this with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum. This will prevent you from cutting your tongue and/or gums.
3. Use Pain Killers: You can use over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, for any pain until you are seen by the dentist.
4. Avoid Chewing On The Affected Side:  Do not chew on the same side as the damaged tooth, as this will only result in more damage.
5. Steer Clear Of Hot Or Cold Foods: Avoid extremely hot or cold food and drinks. These could trigger the exposed tooth and further irritation.

Fix Your Cracked Tooth Today

A cracked tooth is not something to be taken lightly. If you decide to wait a few days and see if it heals on its own, you may face more problems later. If you decide to deal with this problem now, you will have less pain and fewer complications you have to go through. At Justin Dental and Braces, we know dental emergencies are not always at convenient times, but we are available when you need quick, efficient dental care.

Whether it’s a small crack or a serious one that has caused the tooth to break, you will have the best help of an emergency dentist so you can quickly get back to feeling healthy again. If your tooth is cracked or if you are experiencing dental pain, you shouldn’t wait until Monday; make an emergency appointment with us today. We are available to help you to get back to living your day with a comfortable, healthy smile.

Questions People Ask About Cracked Tooth Recovery