Do you ever wonder what you can do about a chipped or a cracked tooth? You probably know that you should have either of these issues addressed, but do you know why you should? Similarly, do you know what you might be able to do if you need relief while you’re waiting to visit our dentist? Luckily, there are a few options you should consider.
Sadly, 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. You see, if you don’t care for a cracked tooth, your 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 need to wait a few days. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate any 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.
When you do visit our dentist, we’ll assess the condition of your mouth and offer you any personalized advice you need. Sometimes, for a minor crack, you’ll just need to have your tooth smoothed out. At other times, our team will fill the crack with a specialized filling material. More serious breaks may need root canal therapy and will usually be covered by a crown.
If you have cracked or chipped teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact Oxford Lakes Dental Care at 248-628-2540. Our dentist, Dr. Daniel Sahutske, and our team will examine your tooth and see what damage you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.