So your tooth is broken, what do you do? Well, the first step is not to panic. There are numerous reasons why your teeth can break, chip or crack despite their extraordinary strength. Here are five of them:
1. You accidentally bit down on something hard.
2. You had extensive tooth decay that caused your tooth to weaken.
3. You had a large and old silver filling that did not support the remaining tooth enamel.
4. You got hit in the face or mouth.
5. You had a fall.
When your tooth chips or breaks, you may not feel any pain. However, you will notice that once you glide your tongue along the tooth you will experience sharp pain in this area. If the tooth fracture is minor, it typically will not be painful, but when a large piece of tooth breaks off you likely will feel pain. Your tooth’s nerve may be damaged. Also, you may experience severe stinging when the nerve endings in the dentin are exposed to hot or cool drinks. The pain you experience from a broken or cracked tooth may be persistent or sporadic. For most patients, they feel pain whenever they eat as the chewing motion places pressure on the tooth.
Solving The Issue: Cracked and Broken Teeth
Cracked Teeth: When your tooth is cracked, you will need to visit your dental clinic in York. The tooth may appear to be okay, but you will only experience pain when there is a change in temperature. However, if your tooth is constantly causing discomfort the nerve or blood vessel may be damaged. This is a serious indication and will require you to visit your dentist in York. Try biting on your tooth and seeing if you feel anything. If there is no pain when you bite, but you experience pain when you release the bite, there is a crack.
Broken Teeth: When your tooth breaks, visit your dentist in York immediately. Be sure to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Rinse your mouth using warm water.
2. Apply pressure to the bleeding area using gauze until the bleeding comes to a stop.
3. Apply a cold compress on your cheek or lips to minimize swelling.
4. If you are unable to visit your dentist in York promptly, use temporary dental cement to cover the remainder of the tooth.
5. To manage the pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Your dentist will be able to determine what the cause is and if the nerve of your tooth is in harm. When the nerve of your tooth is damaged, root canal therapy will be necessary.
Visiting Your Dental Office in York
There is more than one type of tooth fracture and break. Treatment will depend on the type of tooth fracture or break you acquired.
Minor cracks: These are cracks that only pertain to the enamel. They normally do not require treatment, but your dentist in York may polish the area to smooth the surface.
Cracked tooth: The whole tooth is comprised, and the crack extends steadily. Your dentist may repair this crack with a filling, typically you will require a crown to protect the tooth and prevent it from worsening. You may also require root canal treatment if the pulp of your tooth is damaged.
Chips: A minor chip will not always require treatment. Your dentist in York may recommend a filling to prevent the chip from worsening or to improve the appearance and feel of the tooth. Small chips will be smoothed and polished.
We understand that a dental emergency near you can be a frightening experience, but at our dental office in York, our dental staff is highly trained and equipped to handle these problematic situations.