The cracked tooth may start with a twinge. Maybe it happened while biting on something hard or after you fell. Then, what do you do next—walk into the dental clinic at once or schedule an appointment?

This is what to do: If you have pain, swelling, or the tooth is visibly cracked, it’s advised not to delay the treatment. If you don’t have pain and there are no sharp sides, going to an appointment is generally fine. However, no crack should ever be ignored. We see this quite often at Downtown Dental, and early treatment can be a massive factor in saving your tooth from being lost.

Understand how to respond at the time to ease tension and avoid more dental issues down the line.

What Happens When You Crack a Tooth?

Teeth do not heal by themselves. A crack once formed can widen or deepen, especially under the force of biting. A minor crack, if left untreated, can lead to infection or even tooth loss.

Common signs of a cracked tooth:

• Experiencing excruciating pain while chewing food
• Sensitive tooth while drinking or eating hot or cold food or beverages
• Inflammation of the gums
• Occasional pain that could be intermittent

Even if the pain fades away, the problem doesn’t. The majority of patients try to ride through it—only to be greeted with even more extensive dental procedures in the future.

Walk-In or Appointment Visit—How Do You Decide?

It’s one that we hear daily from our Fenton dentist. The right choice depends on what your tooth is telling you.

Walk in immediately if:

• You struggle with severe, worsening pain that doesn’t let you sit still
• There’s bleeding or swelling
• You see that a fragment of your tooth is chipped off
• You can’t close your mouth easily

Make an appointment if:

• There is some sensitivity but no pain
• The crack can’t be seen, but you sense that something’s amiss
• You’ve recently had dental treatment and aren’t sure if it’s the reason

If you’re unsure, call us. We’ll guide you on what to do based on your symptoms.

Why On-Time Oral Care Matters

It is pain relief, but it can also prevent you from needing root canals or extractions. The American Association of Endodontists suggests that early treatment of cracked teeth is a dramatic improvement in the possibility of saving them.

Patients looking for the best dentist in Fenton usually like to have both scheduled visits and same-day visits. That’s exactly what Downtown Dental offers. We’re here to attend to dental emergencies and advise you on follow-up repair treatment as needed.

What You Can Do at Home Until Your Visit

If you’re driving to the clinic or waiting for your appointment, consider the following tips:

• Gently wash your mouth with warm salt water to protect the crack from oral bacteria
• Let the painful side rest and do not put pressure on it while chewing 
• Use dental wax to stop the rough edges from harming the inside of your mouth
• Opt for over-the-counter pain relievers

Don’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth

Small cracks can develop into large problems fast. Emergency room or for a scheduled visit, your next step is important. Downtown Dental is your Fenton dentist of choice when big or small problems pop up.