Have you ever bitten into one of your favorite foods and heard a crack? As you probably know, this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. Often people feel that they can wait to have this problem addressed, but we recommend looking for treatment immediately.
A cracked tooth could be caused by a cavity. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to cover the weakened tooth with a crown. If you don’t care for a cracked tooth, the crack could slowly extend to the root of your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll be more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.
However, while visiting a dentist as soon as possible is important, you may end up waiting a few days to be seen. Meanwhile, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate discomfort while you wait. For instance, you could place gauze on the cracked tooth or apply a cold pack to your cheek to alleviate pain and swelling. You may also consider using dental cement, which you should be able to find at your local drugstore.
Our dentist will be able to address the crack, regardless of how severe it is. For example, if your crack is severe, you may need to have a crown placed—and root canal therapy in order keep your teeth healthy. Similarly, if your crack is small, our dentist may simply fill it, or could elect to smooth a cracked tooth.
If you have cracked or chipped teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact Open Door Family Dentistry at 541-479-5505. Our dentist, Dr. Ryan Bailey , and our team will examine your tooth and assess how we can help restore your healthy, confident smile!