Anyone can crack a tooth at any time and anywhere. If this happens, you should schedule a visit with your dentist in Alexandria as soon as you can. But there are a few things you can do at home to help protect your tooth and relieve any pain that you may have. Keep in mind, these tips are only temporary and you still need to be seen by a dentist for proper treatment.
At-Home Treatment
If you happen to crack a tooth at night or on a weekend when your dentist may not be readily available, try these tips for temporary help:
- If you can, take over-the-counter pain medication.
- Use a dental anesthetic to help numb the area.
- Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to remove bacteria.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Sometimes you can crack a tooth and not even know it. But most often, a cracked tooth comes along with a few key signs, including the following from the American Association of Endodontists:
- Pain while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets
- Pain that comes and goes
Cracked Tooth Treatment
If you do crack a tooth, don’t worry. There are several different ways that your dentist in Alexandria may use to fix it.
Bonding – Bonding is a simple, painless way to repair a cracked tooth. Your dentist will fit the crack with a sticky resin, harden it using a special light, and restore your tooth.
Dental Crowns – Another option to treat a cracked tooth is a dental crown. This is usually more appropriate for a larger crack. Your dentist in Alexandria will create and place a custom crown over the affected tooth, protecting it from more damage. Each crown is designed to match the shape, color, and size of your other teeth so nobody will ever know it’s there.
Root Canal – If a crack is deep enough to affect the inner tooth, you may need a root canal. A root canal may sound scary and painful, but the opposite is true. During a root canal, your dentist will remove any affected pulp which will relieve any pain you may have. A root canal can also protect you from developing an infection.
Tooth Extraction – When a cracked tooth goes beyond repair and affects too much of the natural tooth structure, your dentist may recommend an extraction. However, many times, extracted teeth can be replaced with a dental implant or bridge so you don’t need to live with a missing tooth.
It is possible to have a cracked tooth and not know it. However, the longer a cracked tooth goes undetected and untreated, the more it can lead to bigger problems. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist at least twice a year. These regular visits help identify any problems early while they’re easier to treat.
Welcoming new patients from Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and nearby communities.
