Is A Cracked Tooth Really That Serious?
We want to do everything we can to help our patients avoid a dental emergency. We know that sometimes emergencies are out of our control, but other times we do not help the state of our oral health by making bad choices, such as avoiding routine examinations. While there are many different dental emergencies that can occur, one in particular requires an immediate visit to our office — a cracked tooth. Read on to learn more about why a cracked tooth should never be ignored.
A Cracked Tooth is a Serious Concern
When you visit our office for regular oral hygiene examination appointments, we thoroughly inspect your teeth for signs of a problem with your oral health. Between appointments, it is extremely important for you to check your teeth for cracks in the enamel. If you notice a cracked tooth, you need to visit our office immediately for treatment. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and the need for extensive treatment, such as a root canal or a tooth extraction. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a cracked tooth:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Pain when eating
- Throbbing discomfort that comes and goes
Bruxism
One of the most common causes of cracked teeth is clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism. Many patients are unaware they have this habit and are surprised to learn from us that it has been occurring. Most patients who clench or grind their teeth do so while they are sleeping. The pressure placed on the teeth can cause them to crack and break over time. Bruxism can also lead to complications with TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth or experience another dental emergency, contact our office, which is located in Kewaskum, WI, as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
