How an Emergency Dentist Can Fix a Cracked Tooth

Emergency Dentist Miami, FL

If a patient has cracked, chipped, or broken a tooth, a licensed emergency dentist can provide quick relief in a variety of ways and ultimately repair the tooth to make it look whole again. This type of tooth damage can happen to anyone, but a person may be more at risk for this type of injury if:

  • They play a sport, especially a contact sport
  • They habitually clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism
  • They have a history of extensive dental work or severe decay
  • They are over the age of 50
  • They have a habit of chewing on foreign objects
  • They eat very hard or crunchy foods on a routine basis

Any type of serious tooth injury warrants prompt evaluation from a dental professional, including a cracked tooth. People with this type of injury are more prone to serious issues, including infections. If a regular dentist cannot be seen in a timely manner, the patient should visit an emergency dentist instead. Depending on the type of crack, the dentist will determine measures to provide pain relief, if necessary, and work with the patient to create a plan for restoration.

Why should a patient immediately fix a cracked tooth?

It may be tempting to leave the tooth alone — especially for patients who only notice a small chip or crack on the tooth's surface — but it is crucial to visit an emergency dentist to determine whether the problem lies deeper within the tooth's structure. For example, the tooth may have cracked because of decay at the root of the tooth. It is likely that such a patient would have noticed warning signs such as sensitivity and pain, but this is not always the case. Additionally, a patient may not initially notice a cracked tooth after experiencing an accident that caused several greater injuries.

Not fixing a cracked tooth immediately may lead to pain, decay, and the eventual loss of the tooth if it can no longer be saved. It is important not to wait too long before treating a damaged tooth in general. Treating a crack is especially time-sensitive.

How can an emergency dentist fix a cracked tooth?

Patients who can reach an emergency dentist by phone should be able to speak to the office staff (or perhaps the dentist) to determine whether the cracked tooth constitutes an emergency that should be looked at right away. At times, the patient can schedule an appointment and wait, but this is not a good idea if there is extreme pain, bleeding, or the potential for infection.

  • Contouring the surface: The dentist can use a special instrument to change the shape of the tooth and make the crack or chip less prominent. This procedure is more appropriate for chips and very small cracks.
  • Using veneers: Dental veneers, which are placed over the teeth to provide a cosmetic enhancement, can be used to fix mildly or moderately cracked teeth.
  • Placing a crown: If the tooth cannot be fixed with less invasive measures, the dentist may place a crown to correct the crack after ensuring that it is free of infection and decay.
  • Performing a root canal: Root canals are often not an emergency dentist's first choice when it comes to saving a cracked tooth, but this procedure is sometimes necessary if the pulp of the tooth is infected or there are issues with the root of the tooth. The practitioner will remove the pulp, seal the tooth to safeguard against infection, and place a crown to provide structure for the tooth.

Once the treatment is complete, it is important to follow the emergency dentist's recommendations for continued care. This will likely include a follow-up visit in a few weeks. For the first few days, patients may want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods to limit sensitivity. Hard or crunchy foods should also be avoided because they can cause unnecessary pain and may damage new dental work.

Even if the area is tender, clean it thoroughly as instructed. Use ice packs, salt water rinses, and medications for pain relief as instructed by the dentist. Monitor symptoms with care. Pain, redness, swelling, or oozing that persists or worsens over time should be discussed with the dentist as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Visiting an emergency dentist is a good option for patients who have a cracked or chipped tooth. These professionals are highly trained and skilled in providing treatments for dental emergencies. If you or a loved one has suffered a cracked tooth, please contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://implantfamilydentist.com or call Miami Implant & Family Dentists at (305) 230-4040 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Miami, FL.

Recent Posts

When A Tooth Abscess Is A Dental Emergency

A tooth abscess is a dental emergency because it has a risk of the infection expanding to other parts of the body. If an abscess spreads to the brain, it can have life-threatening effects.Abscesses can be incredibly painful, and the pain is often accompanied by swelling. The severity of the pain and swelling is often…

Emergency Dentist Visit During Pregnancy

Visiting an emergency dentist while pregnant can seem quite frightening, but dental accidents do happen and they are unpredictable. Thankfully, emergency dentists exist and they can help treat any dental emergency that arises. Being pregnant and experiencing a dental emergency at the same time can cause a great deal of anxiety, but emergency dentists are equipped…

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…

General Dentist FAQs: Answers To Your Dental Concerns

Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during…

Recent Posts

Why Are Dental Implants A Popular Choice?

Why Are Dental Implants A Popular Choice?

Many patients prefer dental implants to other dental restorations. The stability and aesthetic improvement that the implants provide can enhance one’s bite and speech, as well as one’s chew and smile. Understanding why implants are popular can convince you to speak to your dentist about getting them. Here are the reasons for the popularity of…

An Estimated Timeline For A Smile Makeover Treatment

An Estimated Timeline For A Smile Makeover Treatment

If you are considering undergoing a smile makeover, one of the biggest questions you may have is how long the process will take. The answer all depends on the type of treatment you undergo. For example, if you undergo a treatment that takes multiple visits or requires prerequisite procedures, your makeover will take longer. To…