If not treated immediately, a cracked tooth can cause several problems, like pain, swelling, and infection. If you ever experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist right away to prevent further damage to your teeth or gums. That said, if you’re currently in pain and need immediate care for a cracked tooth, don’t worry - there are things you can do to get temporary relief until you can get in to see your dentist.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Because cracked teeth are more likely to become infected, call your dentist right away for help. Do not try to clean out the crack yourself; contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you have a crack in your tooth and it is causing you significant discomfort, take some time off work and reschedule any important meetings. This will give you time to see your dentist immediately—and give them time to schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.
Although you’re desperate to get that tooth looked at, it’s always best to call your dentist first. They can recommend urgent care or walk you through what to do next over the phone. This gives them a chance to assess your situation and treat you right away without making a trip in. If you can afford dental insurance, most plans offer dental emergencies as part of their coverage. But remember: Don’t delay if you don’t have insurance! Some places out there will work with patients on payment plans if they genuinely need help—they might be harder to find.
While you’re on your way to meet with your dentist, take ibuprofen (if you don’t have any on hand, stop at a drugstore on your way). This will help alleviate some of that throbbing pain until you can get in to see them. A cracked tooth is extremely painful and, if left untreated, could become infected—be sure to keep an eye out for redness or swelling at and around your crack site. If these symptoms occur, it’s time to pay a visit to your dentist as soon as possible. Do not wait! Even when there is no pain, an infection may set in days after cracking occurs; be proactive about treatment!
Turn on your bathroom light so you can see your tooth in both natural and artificial light. A tooth may still be fractured if you cannot see it with either of these methods. If there is no visible crack, examine how sensitive or painful your tooth is when bitten upon. Do not test it with force; gently bite down on one side of your molar to see how strong or weak it feels. This might indicate a fracture. Gently run your tongue across that same area as well around your teeth to see whether they are also tender or swollen, which would also indicate a possible fracture.
Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.
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