You’ve brushed your teeth and seen a tooth cracked in half. This is a tricky one because not all cracks in teeth qualify as being something to worry about. There are different types of teeth cracked in half and they vary in severity.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to go through some of the different possible causes and a few action steps for you to take. Keep reading for everything you should do when your tooth is cracked in half.
Don’t Panic!
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your front or back tooth cracked in half, don’t panic. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
If the pain is severe, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. You should also avoid eating hard or chewy foods until you see a dentist. You may need a crown or other dental restoration if the crack is severe.
Assess the Damage
This can be done by looking at the tooth and seeing how bad the crack is. If the damage is not too bad, you may get away with fixing the tooth. If the crack is superficial and does not go through the enamel, the tooth is saved with a filling or bonding.
Yet, if the crack goes through the enamel and into the dentin, the tooth will need a crown. You can read more about dental crowns here for more information. It is important to learn as much as possible about the procedure.
Seeking Professional Help
If you have a cracked tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. They will likely give you a crown or a filling to help protect your tooth. They will be able to determine if the tooth can be saved or if it needs to be extracted.
A cracked tooth can lead to more serious problems, like an infection, if it’s not treated. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary. If you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait to seek professional help.
Home Treatment Options
A cracked tooth can be a painful experience. If the crack is severe, it may even require a trip to the dentist. There’s no need to panic if your tooth cracks in half.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and reduce inflammation. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and eat soft foods to protect the tooth.
Preventative Measures
A rotten tooth can become worse over time and may lead to tooth loss. In the meantime, there are some preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of further damage.
Chewing on hard foods can put pressure on the cracked tooth and make it worse. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing. This will help to keep the crack clean and prevent further damage.
Tooth Cracked in Half: What Works Best?
Although there are many options to fix a tooth cracked in half, the best option depends on the severity of the crack. A bonding agent may be all that is needed if the crack is small and only affects the enamel. A filling may be necessary if the crack is larger and extends into the dentin.
A crown may be the best option to protect the tooth from further damage. It is important to see your dentist to determine the best treatment option.
If you like this guide, make sure you check out our other blogs.