A cracked tooth could arrive out of the blue. You chew something hard, get a sudden jolt of pain, and then worry about what will happen next. Cracks can range from as superficial as surface lines to as serious as deep cracks that travel to the root. Either way, swift action can save your tooth and provide relief.

At LP Dental of Falls Church, we treat emergency patients with professional and reassuring dental care. Knowing what to do before your appointment will prevent further damage and help us treat you right when you arrive.

Tell-Tale Signs You May Have a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is not always so obvious. Sometimes, pain will only occur while chewing or when the tooth comes into contact with warm or cold beverages. Some of the usual signs are:

• Severe pain while biting or releasing pressure
• Sensitive to hot and cold
• Swelling in the region of the cracked tooth
• Pain that comes and goes

Even minor cracks will become worse over time. The sooner you get the issue looked at, the better chance you have to save the tooth.

What to Do Before You See the Dentist

If you suspect you have a crack, there are proven steps you can take to save your tooth before your trip to the Tysons dentist:

• Gently rinse with warm water. It prevents the area from being dirty and removes food particles.
• Apply a cold compress over it. It reduces swelling and pain in the cheek or jaw.
• Avoid chewing with it. Pressure will worsen the crack or split it.
• Apply dental wax as needed. If the tooth is sharp or rough to the touch, cover the edge so that it does not irritate.
• Take pain medication if required. Over-the-counter tablets can ease temporary pain.

These steps should make you feel less pain and prevent the injury from worsening until you reach your dentist’s office.

What to Expect During Treatment

When you visit a dentist, they will visually examine the tooth or use digital X-rays. The treatment depends on how big the crack is. For minor cracks on the surface, a polish or bonding could restore the appearance of the tooth. Deep fractures might need a crown or root canal to mask the tooth so it does not get infected and further damaged.

Prevention: Saving Your Teeth

Cracked teeth are usually preventable. They most commonly develop when chewing hard foods, clenching, or grinding teeth. Wearing a mouth guard during sports and a nightguard while grinding can reduce your risk. Regular visits to the dentist are also crucial in detecting early signs of stress or wear on the enamel before they develop into cracks.

63% of dentists are of the view that adults deal with stress-induced cracked or broken teeth at some point in their lives, according to a report published by the American Dental Association. And this number is only growing. Taking care of your teeth proactively can protect them from these issues.

Here at LP Dental of Falls Church, we treat cracked teeth with cautious, non-invasive techniques that regain function, comfort, and self-esteem. If you experience pain, sensitivity, or a fracture, get on-time treatment from our dental team.

We provide customized cracked tooth treatment and will ensure that you are comfortable in your visit. Call our dental office to schedule an appointment.