Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A cracked tooth means your tooth has a crack or a split. It might not hurt at first, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Cracks can let in bacteria, which may lead to infection or serious damage inside the tooth. Here, you will learn if a cracked tooth is a dental emergency​ and how to deal with it. So, keep reading to learn more.

When a Broken Tooth Is an Emergency?

Sometimes, a small chip is not a big deal. But in many cases, a broken tooth can cause pain and more problems if you don’t treat it. If your tooth broke and you feel complications like swelling, you should see our dentists as soon as possible. Don’t forget that seeing a dentist quickly helps stop the problem before it turns into something worse.

Signs Your Cracked Tooth Needs Emergency Dental Care

Some cracked teeth don’t show signs right away. But there are things to watch out for:

• Painful feeling when you bite down on the tooth.
• Sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold.
• Sore tooth, even when you’re not using it.
• Random pain that comes and goes without warning.
• Sensitive teeth when you eat sweet foods.
• Swollen gums around the sore tooth.
• Visible crack or line on the tooth.
• A rough or sharp spot you feel with your tongue.
• Tender tooth when brushing or flossing.
• Bad taste in your mouth, which could mean infection.
• Red gums near the broken or cracked tooth.

Types of Cracked Teeth and When They’re an Emergency

Not every cracked tooth is an emergency, but some types need fast treatment to save the tooth. Here are the kinds of cracks that need emergency dentistry Phoenix:

What Will Emergency Dentist Do for a Broken Tooth?

When it comes to emergency treatment for broken teeth, our dentists examine the tooth closely. We also use X-rays or special scans to determine the depth of the crack and decide the best way to fix it. Here’s what our emergency dentist Phoenix do depending on your condition:

• If the crack is small, we use a tooth-colored material to bond and seal it.
• If the crack is bigger, we may place a crown over the tooth to protect it.
• If the crack reaches the inside of the tooth, you may need a root canal.
• If the tooth is too damaged to save, we may have to pull it out.

How to Fix a Cracked Tooth at Home?

You can’t fix a cracked tooth by yourself. But you can do a few things to help with the pain before you see the dentist. Here’s what you can do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean.
• Put an ice pack on your face if it’s swollen.
• Try not to chew on that side of your mouth.
• You can take over-the-counter pain medicine to help with discomfort.
• You can use a little clove oil on the tooth to numb the area, but this is only for short-term relief.

Risks of Ignoring a Cracked Tooth

If you don’t treat a cracked tooth, it can get worse fast. Here’s what can happen if you wait too long:

• The crack can grow deeper.
• Bacteria can get into the tooth and cause an infection.
• You may feel more pain over time.
• Your gums might swell, or your face may even start to puff up.
• You could lose the tooth completely.
• You might also need more expensive treatment later if you wait. Fixing the problem early is safer and costs less.

Cracked Tooth Emergency Treatment Near Me in Phoenix

If you live in Phoenix and have a cracked tooth, Atrium Dental can help. We treat dental emergencies every day. We use the latest tools, like 3D dental scans and same-day crowns, to fix cracked teeth quickly and gently. So, stop Googling “emergency dentist near me” and make an online appointment right now.

Last Word

A cracked tooth is not something to ignore. Even if the pain is small or you don’t see the crack, the damage could be serious. Waiting can lead to more pain, infection, and even losing the tooth. If your tooth feels different, hurts, or looks damaged, don’t guess. Call your dentist right away. At Atrium Dental, we’ll treat you with care and fix your tooth the right way.

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